IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: HIAWATHA
• Wreck Type: Barge
• Dimensions: 189 ft x 30 ft x 12 ft
• Location: Near Yorkshire Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not disclosed
• Depth: Not specified

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The HIAWATHA was a wooden Barge built in 1890 by Thomas O’Brien at Garden Island, Ontario. Initially constructed without masts, it was later Rebuilt as a three-masted vessel, complete with a small pilot house on a raised Forecastle and a round Stern. With a capacity of 40,000 bushels, it was a significant part of the Great Lakes maritime economy.

The HIAWATHA‘s design and versatility reflected the era’s evolving shipping needs, especially in transporting bulk cargo such as coal and grain across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Years

Built at a cost of $20,000, the HIAWATHA was a valuable asset for its initial owner, Calvin Co. By 1892, the vessel had a top insurance rating of A11½ and was valued at $19,000. Over the years, the vessel saw a steady decline in value due to repairs, aging, and incidents, with its worth eventually dropping to $3,000 by 1916.

Ownership Transitions

• Initially owned by Calvin Co.

• Later acquired by Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Co., and subsequently transferred to the Montreal Transportation Co.

Incidents and Repairs

• November 5, 1891: Ran aground off Charlotte (Rochester), New York.

• October 12, 1894: Drifted adrift on Lake Erie.

• June 1912: Ran aground at Prescott, Ontario, but was repaired successfully.

In 1909, HIAWATHA underwent significant rebuilding, reflecting efforts to extend its operational life.

Final Voyage and Loss

On September 20, 1917, while carrying coal from Oswego, New York, to Montreal, the HIAWATHA Foundered near Galloo Island, southeast of Main Duck Island. The vessel was under tow by the Canada Steamship Lines Tug MAGNOLIA, along with another Barge, HILDA. Tragically, the sinking claimed the lives of five men, two women, and one child.

The lone survivor was rescued by the Steamer McVITTIE. The HIAWATHA’s registry was closed on October 1, 1917, marking the end of its service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The HIAWATHA Foundered and sank near Yorkshire Island in Lake Ontario. Despite its historical significance, the wreck has not been extensively explored or documented. The site remains a testament to the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, especially for vessels under tow.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck, but caution is advised in the area near Yorkshire Island due to potential submerged hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck’s exact discovery details are not publicly disclosed.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive historical records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and vessel documentation.
• Great Lakes Ships: A repository of Great Lakes vessels and their histories.
• www.sonarguy.com : A detailed 3D reconstruction of the vessel’s remains.
• Historical Image: Picture of the HIAWATHA under construction at Garden Island.

3D Model by www.sonarguy.com

Hiawatha Schooner Barge by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The HIAWATHA was named after a legendary Iroquoian leader and peacemaker who played a pivotal role in forming the Iroquois Confederacy. This connection underscores the cultural importance of naming vessels with ties to Indigenous history in the Great Lakes region.

CONCLUSION

The HIAWATHA’s story highlights the challenges of maritime transportation in the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its robust construction and multiple repairs, it ultimately succumbed to the perils of navigation. The wreck site near Yorkshire Island offers a poignant reminder of the vessel’s legacy and the lives lost in its tragic sinking.

KEYWORDS

#HIAWATHA Barge #Lake Ontario shipwrecks #Yorkshire Island wreck #Galloo Island maritime history #Montreal Transportation Co.