- Dredge
- 100ft 30m Lengths
- 110ffw 33m Depths
- Lemoine Point, Kingston
- Lake Ontario
- N44.12.5690 W76.36.4960
The dredge **Munson**, based in Belleville, Ontario, played a vital role in maintaining harbor entrances and ensuring adequate water depth for vessels across the Great Lakes. Owned by E.A. Munson of Cobourg, Ontario, this wooden dredge barge was a reliable workhorse, responsible for clearing channels and aiding in the construction of critical infrastructure. However, the Munson’s legacy is forever tied to a tragic event that marked its final voyage.
In April 1890, the Munson was tasked with an important assignment: to dredge the Kingston harbor to prepare for the launch of the Minnedosa, a grand Canadian four-masted sailing vessel. At 250 feet in length and with a 36-foot beam, the Minnedosa was the largest schooner ever built on the Great Lakes, and its launch was a significant event in maritime history. The Munson completed its work successfully, ensuring the Minnedosa’s passage from shore into the waters of Lake Ontario.
With the Kingston job complete, the Munson, accompanied by two scows, was set to be towed by the tug Emma Munson to Rossmore, where it was scheduled to undertake construction work on the Bay of Quinte bridge. On April 29, 1890, as the vessels neared Lemoine’s Point, the Munson began to list. The crew, who were aware of a minor leak before departure, had hoped it wouldn’t escalate. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Within minutes, the leak worsened, and the Munson began sinking in 110 feet of water.
The suddenness of the sinking left the crew with little time to react. The towlines were quickly cut in an attempt to save the tug and scows. As the Munson listed beam-ends first and began its descent to the lakebed, the ship’s cook was the only person onboard. Engaged in preparing dinner, the cook was alerted just in time to scramble for safety. He was dragged down approximately 35 feet by the suction created by the sinking dredge, but managed to surface after the Munson settled at the bottom. Exhausted but alive, he was rescued by the tug’s crew.
The Munson was valued at approximately $15,000, a considerable sum at the time, and was uninsured. The loss was not only financial but also emotional, as the crew lost all their possessions to the depths of Lake Ontario. The exact cause of the sinking was later determined to be a sprung plank on the bottom of the vessel, leading to the catastrophic leak that sent the dredge to its watery grave in just four minutes.
Despite the depth and conditions, the Munson wreck was rediscovered in 1981 by diver Rick Neilson. Today, the Munson rests upright in 110 feet of water, largely intact, with its steam shovel and two levels still visible. The arm that once supported the shovel lies partially articulated on the lakebed, along with the shovel itself. The wreck is a time capsule from the late 19th century, with plates, bottles, and other artifacts scattered around, offering a glimpse into life aboard the dredge.
For divers, the Munson is a fascinating site to explore. Its well-preserved structure and historical significance make it a favorite destination for those willing to brave the cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario. However, the depth requires careful monitoring of air consumption and buoyancy control, as the layer of silt covering the wreck can be easily disturbed. The Munson stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers of maritime work and the ever-present risks faced by those who made their living on the water.
Video – Shotline Diving Productions 2024CC
Photo Galleries
[gmedia id=177]
References and External Links
-
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes** – Collection of historical records and newspaper clippings.
- Warren Lo Photography
- Wrecks and Reefs
- British Whig (Kingston, ON)** – Newspaper articles documenting the sinking of the Munson.
- YouTube Video
- C. Patrick Labadie Collection** – Additional historical notes on the Munson and other vessels
- Niagara Divers Association
- Rick Neilson’s Contributions – Rediscovery and documentation of the Munson wreck site, co-editor , NTDMM Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes Vol 1. 1999
- Sport Divers Magazine
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
