Identification & Site Information

• Name: George T. Davie (also known as GEO T DAVIE, GT DAVIE)

• Type: Steel Barge (Unpowered)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 253 feet (77.1 meters)

• Beam: 43 feet (13.1 meters)

• Depth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 1,846 tons

• Net: 1,439 tons

• Builder: George T. Davie & Sons, Lauzon, Quebec, 1911

• Location: South side of Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates: N44° 06.555’, W76° 26.485’

• Depth: 110 feet (33.5 meters)

Vessel Type

The George T. Davie was a steel Barge built for the grain and coal trade. It was an unpowered vessel designed for towing and carried substantial bulk cargo.

Description

History:

On April 18, 1945, the George T. Davie sank while under tow by the Salvage Prince. Departing Oswego, NY, with a cargo of 1,148 tons of coal bound for Kingston, ON, the journey began under favorable conditions. However, as the weather worsened, the Barge capsized due to loss of directional control.

The Salvage Prince’s crew rescued all onboard, but the coal cargo was lost across the lakebed. This incident marked the end of the vessel’s service life, which had spanned 34 years.

Final Disposition:

The wreck lies on its starboard side with its decks sharply inclined. The lakebed is scattered with coal, and artifacts like a large anchor, lifeboats, and parts of the vessel’s machinery remain visible. The wreck provides a unique glimpse into the maritime transport of coal and the hazards of towing barges in challenging conditions.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the George T. Davie was discovered in the 1970s during regional underwater surveys, but detailed explorations have since expanded understanding of its state and significance.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• The site is free of major hazards but is subject to reduced Visibility and occasional currents.

• Divers should be cautious due to the sharp list and potential entanglement risks from scattered debris.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Detailed records of specifications and historical context.

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Guidelines for diving and preservation.

• Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks: Database with regional wreck information.

• Historic Articles:

• “Barge George T. Davie Sinks After Taking on Water” – The Kingston Whig-Standard, May 11, 1945.

• “Wolfe Island Wreck: The George T. Davie Succumbs to Flooding” – The Montreal Gazette, May 12, 1945.

Conclusion

The George T. Davie represents a critical piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime history, illustrating the perilous nature of Barge towing and coal transport during the mid-20th century. Its wreckage has become a site of historical and recreational interest, offering insights into the vessel’s final moments and the broader shipping culture of the Great Lakes.