Located at the Northwest Corner of Picton Island in 40′ of water. The Picton Island Barge is filled with Rose Granite from the Picton Island Quarry and sank just off the old quarry dock from being overloaded.

Picton Island Barge Wreck

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Picton Island Barge

• Type: Wooden Barge

• Location: Northwest corner of Picton Island, St. Lawrence River

• Coordinates: Not explicitly provided

• Depth: Approximately 40 feet (12 meters)

• Cargo: Rose Granite from Picton Island Quarry

Vessel Type Description

The Picton Island Barge was a wooden flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged Barge designed to transport heavy loads across the waters of the St. Lawrence River. Such barges were commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk goods, including construction materials, timber, and stone.

Historical Context

The Picton Island Barge was heavily laden with Rose Granite, a high-quality building material sourced from the Picton Island Quarry. The quarry was a hub of industrial activity, supplying stone for various construction projects. Transporting granite by Barge was a practical method for moving the heavy cargo to other regions along the St. Lawrence River.

The Barge met its fate when it became overloaded with the dense and heavy granite, causing it to sink just off the quarry dock at the northwest corner of Picton Island. The accident highlights the challenges faced by transport operators in balancing load capacity with efficiency.

Current Condition & Site Features

The wreck of the Picton Island Barge lies in 40 feet (12 meters) of water, resting near the quarry dock. The wreck remains relatively intact, with the granite cargo still visible, making it a unique dive site in the St. Lawrence River.

• Visible Features:

• The Barge’s wooden Hull is partially intact and visible in the clear waters.

• The granite blocks remain piled within the Barge, providing a striking visual for divers.

• Aquatic Environment:

• The site is home to various fish species and aquatic plants.

• The clear waters of the St. Lawrence River offer good Visibility, enhancing the diving experience.

Diving Experience & Accessibility

The Picton Island Barge wreck is an accessible site for divers, located in moderate-depth water. The combination of historical significance and the presence of its original cargo makes this site appealing to divers interested in both history and underwater exploration.

• Conditions:

• Depth: 40 feet (12 meters) allows for extended dive times for divers with basic certification.

• Visibility: Typically good, depending on weather and seasonal conditions.

• Access:

• Reachable by boat from nearby launch points in the St. Lawrence River.

• Suitable for recreational divers with experience navigating around wreck sites.

Significance of the Site

The Picton Island Barge serves as a historical snapshot of the region’s industrial heritage, particularly the quarrying and transportation of building materials in the 19th and 20th centuries. The granite cargo, still visible within the wreck, offers a tangible connection to the quarrying operations that shaped the local economy.

Future Exploration & Preservation

The wreck of the Picton Island Barge is a valuable underwater cultural resource. Efforts should focus on documenting and preserving the site to ensure it remains accessible and undisturbed for future generations of divers and historians.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the St. Lawrence River: Comprehensive history of shipwrecks and quarry operations in the region.

• St. Lawrence River Dive Sites: Detailed information about other nearby diving opportunities.

• Quarry Industry Heritage: Insights into the history of the Picton Island Quarry.

Conclusion

The Picton Island Barge wreck stands as a testament to the industrial ingenuity and challenges of a bygone era. Laden with its original cargo of Rose Granite, the site offers divers a chance to explore both natural beauty and a piece of St. Lawrence River history. Its location near the quarry dock further ties it to the region’s rich industrial legacy.

Keywords: Picton Island, St. Lawrence River, Barge Wreck, Rose Granite, Quarry History, Underwater Archaeology, Shipwreck, Diving Site.