IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Shipwreck Details: Hinckley
Identification & Site Information
- •Name: Hinckley
- •Vessel Type: Steambarge
- •Built By: Likely in Chaumont, New York
- •Owner: Captain Augustus R. Hinckley
- •Date Built: 1902
•Dimensions:
- •Length: 114 feet (35 meters)
- •Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
- •Draft: 11.7 feet (3.6 meters)
- •Tonnage: 232 gross tons, 188 net tons
- •Crew: 9 members
- •Date Lost: July 29, 1929
- •Final Resting Place: Near Stony Point, New York, Lake Ontario
- •Depth at Wreck Site: 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.6 meters)
Vessel Type
The Hinckley was a steambarge, a versatile vessel primarily utilized for transporting bulk cargo such as coal. It also held a government contract for managing navigational buoys, highlighting its critical role in maintaining safe waterways in Lake Ontario.
Description
Construction and Purpose: The Hinckley, constructed in Chaumont, NY, was the last vessel in Captain Augustus R. Hinckley’s fleet. Designed to transport coal, it was a key player in Lake Ontario’s shipping industry for nearly three decades. Its design and operation reflected the dual purpose of freight and navigation support.
Service Life: During its operational years, it undertook the vital task of marking safe passages for other ships and was responsible for opening and closing the navigation season. The ship frequently hauled coal between ports, reflecting the era’s reliance on such vessels for energy transport.
Historical Context
The Incident: On July 29, 1929, carrying 300 tons of coal from Fairhaven, NY, to Gananoque, ON, the Hinckley developed a serious leak. Despite the use of onboard pumps, the crew could not keep the water ingress under control. Captain Hinckley grounded the vessel intentionally at Gravely Bay near Stony Point, NY, to prevent its complete sinking. A subsequent gale struck the stranded steambarge, causing irreparable damage. The salvage operations removed some coal but were ultimately Abandoned.
Final Hours: The storm and the ensuing tumult broke the vessel apart, marking the end of its service. The crew successfully evacuated, avoiding fatalities.
Final Disposition
•Wreck and Loss: The Hinckley remains a testament to the unpredictable hazards faced by Great Lakes mariners.
•Location: The wreck lies scattered in shallow waters near Stony Point, NY, and is partially covered by sediment.
Current Condition & Dive Information
•Wreck Condition: The fragmented remains include sections of the Hull and machinery. The wreck’s shallow location makes it accessible to recreational divers.
•Diving Information:
•Access: From the shore near Stony Point.
•Depth Range: 5–15 feet (1.5–4.6 meters), suitable for beginners but challenging due to potential sediment disturbance.
•Visibility: Varies with weather; calm days provide clearer exploration conditions.
•Points of Interest: Scattered remains of machinery and cargo, as well as a rocky grounding site.
Historical Significance
The Hinckley’s wreck illustrates the challenging operational environment of the Great Lakes shipping industry and the resilience of its crews. It holds educational value for understanding early 20th-century maritime transport and navigation technologies.
Resources & Links
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Steambarge, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Hinckley Wreck, Great Lakes Navigation
Categories: Maritime History, Dive Sites, Great Lakes Shipwrecks
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