Fox Island Barge Model 1 by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

Fox Island Barge Model 2 by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Barge
• Type: Wooden Barge
• Dimensions: Approximately 60 feet (18.3 metres) in length and 20 feet (6.1 metres) in width
• Depth: 8–10 feet of fresh water (2.4–3.0 metres)
• Location: Fox Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44°2’12.16” W 76°20’16.56”

Vessel Type Description

The unidentified Barge is a flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged wooden vessel, typical of those used in the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Barges were pivotal to the region’s economy, transporting bulk goods like timber, coal, and construction materials across the lakes. Their simple, sturdy design made them ideal for heavy cargo and towing operations.

Discovery and Site Description

Discovered during a 2022 scanning operation around Fox Island and Little Grenadier Island, the wreck lies in shallow water, partially embedded in a rocky shoal at the southwest corner of Fox Island.

Site Features:

• Partially buried in the lakebed, indicating a long presence at the location.
• Structural elements are degraded due to exposure to the elements, with some sections likely worn down or broken by currents and waves.

The shallow depth makes the site accessible for exploration, although the rocky environment may pose challenges for preservation.

Historical Context

Barge traffic was integral to Lake Ontario’s commercial shipping network in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Barges like this one transported essential commodities, supporting the region’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

The grounding of this Barge may have been caused by:

• Storms.
• Navigational errors.
• Mechanical failures.

The lack of identifiable markings or records makes it difficult to determine the Barge’s exact history or origins. However, its location and construction align with vessels that operated in this era, shedding light on the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Significance of the Site

The unidentified Barge contributes to the understanding of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes. It offers a tangible connection to the industrial heritage of the region, highlighting the reliance on barges for economic activity.

Educational Value:

• Provides insight into Barge construction and operation.
• Enhances knowledge of maritime trade in the Lake Ontario region.

Research Potential:

• Further investigation may uncover details about the Barge’s construction, cargo, and circumstances of its grounding.

Future Exploration and Preservation

Preserving and documenting the wreck is critical to safeguarding its historical value.

Recommended Actions:

• Conduct detailed underwater archaeological surveys.
• Use high-resolution imaging to capture the structure and condition of the wreck.
• Protect the site from unauthorized disturbances or salvage attempts.

Potential Discoveries:

• Construction techniques.
• Artifacts offering clues about the Barge’s usage and origin.
• Insights into the conditions leading to its grounding.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime history.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Dedicated to protecting and exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
• Shipwreck Stories:Resource for sharing discoveries and narratives about Lake Ontario wrecks.
• Underwater Archaeology Research Center: Focused on studying and preserving submerged cultural resources.

Conclusion

The discovery of the unidentified Barge near Fox Island is a valuable addition to Lake Ontario’s maritime history. While its origins remain a mystery, further exploration could provide insights into its construction, purpose, and the events leading to its grounding. This site underscores the vital role barges played in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#UnidentifiedBarge #LakeOntario #FoxIsland #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #Shipwreck #UnderwaterArchaeology #WoodenBarge #19thCenturyCommerce #BargeTraffic #MaritimePreservation