Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Adventure

•Type: Steam Barge

•Builder: John Davenna, Kingston, Ontario

•Built: 1887 (initially built in 1873, Rebuilt in 1884)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 102 feet 8/10ths (approx. 31.3 meters)

•Breadth: 23 feet 3/10ths (approx. 7.1 meters)

•Depth: 6 feet 9/10ths (approx. 2.1 meters)

•Tonnage: 156 registered tons, with a final record tonnage of 160 tons

•Owner: John Devana (also the vessel’s master)

•Final Resting Place: Gallop Rapids, near Sparrowhawk Point, St. Lawrence River

•Sank: October 13, 1885

Vessel Type Description

The Adventure, originally built as a Barge, underwent significant updates and modifications over its operational life, including the installation of a steam engine in 1884. Known for its durability, the vessel featured a carvel-built Hull with a round Stern, a single Deck, and was well-suited for navigating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its robust design, combined with a steam engine, allowed it to transport a variety of goods essential to trade in the region.

History

First constructed in 1873 at Dog Lake, Ontario, by Joseph Keeler, the Adventure served the region’s trade routes before undergoing a major Rebuild in 1884. This Conversion involved installing a steam engine, increasing the vessel’s tonnage to 160 tons. With the Rebuild completed in Kingston, Ontario, owner John Devana invested heavily in the Adventure, spending $2,500 (equivalent to substantial value today) to enhance the vessel for transport between Kingston and Montreal. As the vessel’s master, Devana relied on the Adventure to move goods across a vital trade corridor, showcasing the vessel’s importance.

The Fateful Journey

On October 13, 1885, the Adventure was part of a tow convoy led by the Tug Traveller, piloted by Captain J. Sullivan. Another Barge, the Beauport, was also part of the convoy. While traversing the St. Lawrence River, the convoy encountered problems near Gallop Rapids when the tow lines connecting the Traveller to the barges snapped. The strong currents quickly swept the Adventure toward Sparrowhawk Point, where it struck rocks and began to sink. Despite the dangerous conditions, Captain Pregent, his wife, and the French crew members managed to escape by boarding the Beauport, narrowly avoiding further tragedy.

Aftermath and Salvage Efforts

The Adventure’s loss was a significant setback, with both the vessel and its cargo of wheat (valued at $7,420) deemed total losses. Reports from the Cleveland Leader estimated the disaster’s impact at $7,000. An insurance inspector from Continental Insurance Co. of New York, M.J. Calvin, attempted to locate the wreck. However, the strong currents of Gallop Rapids proved challenging, and salvage operations were unsuccessful, leaving the vessel undisturbed in the rapids.

Final Disposition

The Adventure remains submerged in Gallop Rapids, marking the end of a vessel that, despite robust construction, ultimately succumbed to the power of the St. Lawrence River. Its wreckage lies at the mercy of swift currents, a reminder of the region’s formidable navigational hazards.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this site. However, strong currents at Gallop Rapids necessitate caution for any nearby watercraft, and the depth and flow make diving hazardous.

Located By & Date

The location of the Adventure was confirmed following its sinking on October 13, 1885. Though the exact wreck site may be known, it remains difficult to access due to the rapids and current strength.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Adventure are likely scattered and deteriorated due to continuous exposure to the rapid currents. Given the strong flow in the area, accessing the wreck is highly challenging, and any exploratory dives would require significant caution.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Information on wrecks and trade routes in the region.

•Department of Marine and Fisheries Records: Archival records detailing the sinking and operations of the Adventure and similar vessels in Canadian waters.

•Cleveland Leader Archives: Historical newspaper archives documenting the loss and valuation of the Adventure and its cargo.

Conclusion

The sinking of the Adventure highlights the risks and challenges of navigating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the 19th century. Despite extensive repairs and upgrades, the vessel’s ultimate loss serves as a testament to the powerful forces at work on these waterways. The story of the Adventure reflects not only the resilience required by vessels of that era but also the inevitable hazards that came with traversing such unpredictable waters.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #StLawrenceRiver #MaritimeHistory #SteamBarge #Adventure #19thCenturyShips #SparrowhawkPoint #HistoricalShipwreck