Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Scuttled Hull (part of Kingston Harbour clean-up)
• Type: Unspecified Wreck (likely a Barge or similar vessel)
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Depth at Wreck Site: Not specified
• Location: Near Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44° 08.695’, W 76° 36.915’

Vessel Type Description

This unidentified wreck is likely the Hull of a Barge or another utilitarian vessel scuttled during a large-scale Kingston Harbour clean-up effort in the 1920s. Vessels disposed of in this manner were generally outdated, derelict, or no longer seaworthy, and their type was often not documented unless they held significant historical or commercial value. The nature of the clean-up suggests the wreck was one of many similar vessels cleared from Kingston’s waterfront.

History

The Hull was scuttled near Amherst Island as part of an effort to declutter Kingston Harbour in the early 20th century. The clean-up operation targeted vessels that were Abandoned, beyond repair, or rendered obsolete due to advancements in maritime technology.

No specific records detail the history of this particular vessel, but it may have been used in regional trade or industrial operations before falling into disrepair. Scuttling was a common practice during this era to clear waterways and make room for modern vessels.

Final Disposition

The Hull was intentionally scuttled at the provided coordinates, N 44° 08.695’, W 76° 36.915’, as part of the Kingston Harbour clean-up initiative. Its exact condition remains unclear, but it is presumed to be heavily degraded due to its abandonment and the effects of time underwater.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is believed to lie at a shallow depth, potentially making it accessible to recreational divers. However, specific details about its state are unavailable, and the site may present challenges such as heavy silting, collapsed structures, or limited Visibility.

•Caution: Divers should approach the site carefully, as the wreck’s structural integrity is unknown, and shifting debris or sharp remnants could pose hazards.

•Mooring Coordinates: N 44° 08.24’, W 76° 37.11’ — A nearby mooring point may provide an access location for boats and divers.

Resources & Links

• Kingston Historical Society: Local archives may offer additional insights into the vessels scuttled during the harbor clean-up.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for historical documentation of regional vessels.
• Preserve Our Wrecks
• Great Lakes Underwater Explorers Club – Installed Moorings

Conclusion

This unidentified Hull adds to the rich maritime tapestry of the Kingston area, offering a glimpse into the history of Great Lakes vessel management in the early 20th century. While its identity and origins remain a mystery, the site represents the utilitarian vessels that supported the regional economy before being discarded. The Amherst Island Graveyard serves as an underwater archive, preserving the remains of such vessels for future exploration and study.

Tags

#KingstonHarbourCleanUp #GreatLakesWrecks #AmherstIslandGraveyard #ScuttledHull #LakeOntarioShipwrecks #DivingOntario