Shipwreck Report: Wooden Barge ADELE

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: ADELE
• Year of Build: 1893
• Built at: Yamaska, Quebec
• Type: Wooden Barge (Pin Flat)
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Dimensions: Length: 127.3 feet (38.8 meters) Beam: 28.5 feet (8.7 meters) Depth: 10.8 feet (3.3 meters)
• Tonnage: Gross: 301.57 tons Net: 297.20 tons
• Final Location: Inner Harbor Boneyard, Kingston, Ontario, Cataraqui River

Vessel Type Description

The ADELE was a “pin flat” Barge, a type of vessel favored during the late 19th century for its cargo-hauling capabilities. Constructed using carvel planking, which gave the Hull a smooth surface, the Barge was designed to endure the demands of transporting bulk goods such as coal, timber, and other industrial materials across the Great Lakes. Its square Stern and robust wooden construction exemplify the utilitarian designs of commercial barges of its time.

History

The ADELE was launched in 1893 at Yamaska, Quebec, during a period of booming industrial activity in the Great Lakes region. For over a decade, it played a vital role in the transportation network that connected the lakes and their surrounding industries.

Operational Career

• Likely carried bulk goods, including timber and coal, between ports along the Great Lakes and connecting waterways.
• Known for its durability and significant cargo capacity, making it an asset to its owner, A. Lomer, during its active years.

Decline and Final Years

By the early 1900s, wooden barges like the ADELE were becoming obsolete, replaced by steel-hulled vessels that offered greater durability and efficiency. In 1908, the vessel was declared no longer seaworthy and was Abandoned in Kingston’s inner harbor boneyard on the Cataraqui River.

Final Disposition

Year of Abandonment: 1908

• Location: The ADELE was wrecked and Abandoned in the inner harbor boneyard, where it joined other vessels that had outlived their operational usefulness.
• Current Condition: The wreck remains submerged, contributing to Kingston’s rich underwater archaeological heritage. While deteriorated, it offers insights into late 19th-century shipbuilding and commercial practices.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Navigational Warning: Mariners should approach the inner harbor boneyard in Kingston, Ontario, with caution due to the presence of submerged wrecks, including the ADELE.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records on vessels of the Great Lakes.
• Hanley Spur Historical Archive: Documentation of Kingston’s industrial waterfront and its maritime heritage.

Conclusion

The ADELE represents a bygone era of Great Lakes maritime history. From its launch in 1893 to its abandonment in 1908, the Barge played a crucial role in supporting the region’s economic growth by facilitating the transport of vital goods. Its final resting place in the Cataraqui River now serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the industrial heritage of Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region.

Keywords

#ADELE #Kingston, Ontario #Cataraqui River #Wooden Barge #Pin Flat #Great Lakes Shipwreck #Maritime History #Shipbuilding Heritage #Inner Harbor Boneyard #19th Century Vessel