Little Grenadier Island Barge by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Uncle Paul
• Type: Wooden Scow Barge
• Year Built: 1900
• Builder: Unknown
• Location: Basin Harbor, near Little Grenadier Island, Lake Ontario, Cape Vincent, NY
• Coordinates: Not precisely documented; presumed near Little Grenadier and Fox Islands.
• Depth: 8 feet (3 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Uncle Paul was a wooden scow Barge, a flat-bottomed vessel built for transporting heavy bulk materials like stone and gravel. These barges were vital during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in regions like the Thousand Islands, where shoreline infrastructure development required steady supply lines. With its robust and straightforward design, the Barge was equipped to dock close to shorelines in shallow waters, making it indispensable for large-scale construction projects.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

Constructed in 1900, the Uncle Paul was integral to the industrial boom in the Basin Harbor region, facilitating the transport of construction materials necessary for infrastructure development in the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River. The vessel served regional needs for eight years, handling bulk cargo and supporting local commerce.

Final Voyage – September 5, 1908

The Uncle Paul departed Chaumont, New York, heavily laden with 125 tons of stone for dock construction on Little Grenadier Island. However, the Barge encountered heavy seas near Fox Island. Captain P. P. Phelps navigated toward sheltered waters between Little Grenadier and Fox Island in an attempt to save the vessel.

Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Uncle Paul Foundered under worsening conditions and sank. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued. The Barge and its cargo were lost, marking a significant maritime casualty recorded in the U.S. vessel reports for 1909.

This incident highlights the perilous nature of maritime transport on Lake Ontario during the early 20th century. The Uncle Paulexemplifies the challenges faced by mariners navigating unpredictable waters, especially when carrying heavy cargo in underpowered vessels.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Date of Wreck: September 5, 1908
• Cause: Heavy seas and water ingress leading to foundering.
• Location: Between Little Grenadier Island and Fox Island, Lake Ontario.
• Condition: The Barge remains submerged in approximately 8 feet of water. Its wooden structure has likely deteriorated, with remnants scattered on the lakebed.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Historical accounts and local lore suggest the general area, but no formal underwater survey or confirmation has been conducted.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck site. However, recreational boaters and divers should exercise caution near Little Grenadier and Fox Islands due to shallow waters and potential debris.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: Likely deteriorated due to prolonged exposure. The shallow depth may have left the wreck partially buried or scattered by environmental factors.

•Accessibility: The site is accessible for snorkelers, shallow-water divers, and shoreline exploration. Caution is advised to preserve any remaining artifacts and avoid disturbing the site.

AERIAL & UNDERWATER RESOURCES

•Photographs & Video:

3D Model: (Featured above)

Shotline Diving has developed a 3D model of the wreck, accessible on Sketchfab. Sketchfab Model of Little Grenadier Shipwrecks

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Wikipedia: General insights into the Thousand Islands and Great Lakes maritime history. Wikipedia – Thousand Islands
• 1000 Islands Trust: Conservation efforts and historical insights into the Thousand Islands region. 1000 Islands Trust
• Cape Vincent Historical Society: Maritime history of the Cape Vincent area. Cape Vincent Historical Society

CONCLUSION

The Uncle Paul represents a pivotal piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime history, demonstrating the reliance on scow barges for regional development. Its demise underscores the risks mariners faced, especially when navigating unpredictable waters with heavy cargo. Although largely forgotten, the story of the Uncle Paul and its ultimate resting place continue to intrigue historians and divers, preserving its legacy as a symbol of resilience and regional industrial heritage.

KEYWORDS

Uncle Paul Barge, Fox Island shipwreck, Lake Ontario wrecks, 1908 maritime casualty, scow barges, Thousand Islands history, Little Grenadier Island, early 20th-century transport.