- Name: Moramia No. 140
- Type: Barge
- Lost: Lake Ontario
- Depth: Information on the exact depth is currently not available.
- GPS Coordinates: Unknown
- Year Built: Likely in the early 20th century, though the exact date is not specified
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Moramia No. 140 was a barge, a type of flat-bottomed vessel commonly used for transporting heavy cargo. Barges like the Moramia No. 140 were typically towed by tugboats and played a crucial role in moving large quantities of materials—such as coal, lumber, and other bulk goods—across the Great Lakes. These vessels were essential during the industrial boom, providing an economical means to transport materials across the vast freshwater system of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Moramia No. 140 was a working barge that played a vital role in the industrial activities on Lake Ontario, a region known for its bustling maritime trade during the early to mid-20th century. As part of a larger fleet, the Moramia No. 140was instrumental in supporting various industries by facilitating the transportation of heavy loads between ports. Barges like the Moramia No. 140 were a common sight on the Great Lakes, where they were used to move bulk materials such as coal, timber, stone, and other industrial goods that were essential to the economic development of the surrounding areas.
The service life of the Moramia No. 140 was marked by the constant demand for bulk transport across Lake Ontario, a critical route for the movement of goods between Canada and the United States. The barge’s operations would have involved frequent trips between industrial ports, helping to keep the wheels of industry turning by ensuring a steady supply of raw materials and finished products. During this period, Lake Ontario was a key conduit for maritime commerce, with barges and other vessels working tirelessly to meet the needs of a rapidly growing and industrializing region.
Despite its essential role in the maritime economy, the Moramia No. 140 eventually met its end in the waters of Lake Ontario. The specific details surrounding the sinking of the barge remain unclear, as is often the case with many work vessels from this era. The Moramia No. 140 may have succumbed to one of the many hazards that were part of daily life on the Great Lakes. Severe weather was a constant threat, with sudden storms capable of overwhelming even the most well-constructed vessels. Collisions with other ships or structures, mechanical failures, or the sheer strain of carrying heavy cargo in challenging conditions could also have contributed to the barge’s demise.
The exact location of the Moramia No. 140’s final resting place has yet to be discovered, leaving its story incomplete. However, the barge’s fate is a reminder of the risks faced by the countless vessels that navigated the Great Lakes in service of the region’s industries. The wreck of the Moramia No. 140 likely lies somewhere at the bottom of Lake Ontario, joining the many other ships that have been lost to the depths over the years. Its story, though not fully known, is part of the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario and reflects the hard work and challenges faced by those who depended on the lake for their livelihoods
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Moramia No. 140 met its end in the waters of Lake Ontario, although the specific details surrounding its sinking remain unclear. Like many other barges of its time, the Moramia No. 140 may have succumbed to severe weather, collisions, or the strain of carrying heavy cargo in stormy conditions. The barge now lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario, its exact location yet to be discovered.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Moramia No. 140. The wreckage is not marked on modern marine charts and poses no known navigational hazard.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Moramia No. 140 has not been located, and its precise resting place in Lake Ontario remains unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck File by David Swayze
- Lake Ontario Shipwreck Database
- Great Lakes Maritime History
CONCLUSION #
The Moramia No. 140 represents one of the many utilitarian vessels that played a critical role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Although the details of its loss are vague, the barge’s history is a testament to the industrial might that once powered the economies surrounding the Great Lakes. The mystery of its location adds to the rich tapestry of undiscovered and forgotten shipwrecks that lie beneath the surface of these vast inland seas.
Moramia No. 140
Great Lakes barge
Lake Ontario shipwreck
Industrial transport
Bulk cargo
Maritime history