HARVEY J KENDALL U96166

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The HARVEY J. KENDALL was a wooden steam barge, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargo. Steam barges were sturdy workhorses designed to handle the rough conditions of the lakes while carrying large loads. The KENDALL was equipped with a high steeple compressed steam boiler, though by the time of her final voyage, she was heavily worn and prone to mechanical failures.

HISTORY #

The HARVEY J. KENDALL was constructed in 1892 in Marine City, Michigan. Initially, it served as

a reliable steamer, but by the time Captain Augustus R. Hinckley acquired her in 1930, the vessel was in a state of significant disrepair. Despite these challenges, Captain Hinckley and his crew embarked on a final mission to retrieve buoys along the St. Lawrence River.

The voyage, undertaken in the harsh winter conditions of December, was plagued by mechanical issues, including a damaged draft damper and a leaking hull. The KENDALL became stuck in ice near Cardinal, Ontario, but was eventually freed by the tugboat SALVAGE QUEEN. Despite the crew’s valiant efforts, the vessel continued to take on water, and it was ultimately submerged near Cardinal after further attempts to reach safety.

The vessel was refloated the following spring, but due to its poor condition, it was never cleared for service again. The HARVEY J. KENDALL was towed to Button Bay, Wolfe Island, where she found her final resting place in the shallow waters near Perch Cove.

FINAL DISPOSTION #

After its final mission and subsequent sinking in 1878, the HARVEY J. KENDALL was abandoned in Button Bay. The vessel remains there, partially submerged and serving as an artificial reef for various aquatic species. The stern section is mostly intact, though the bridge section has suffered significant damage from ice over the years.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the HARVEY J. KENDALL lies in 15-20 feet of water, facing south towards Cape Vincent. The stern section of the wreck is mostly intact, and the cabin area can be entered by divers. However, the interior is filled with mud, and the lack of current in the bay means that visibility can quickly deteriorate if the sediment is disturbed. The cargo holds and the remains of the bridge and deck sections are accessible, though divers should exercise caution due to the deteriorated condition of the wreck.

Youtube Video

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Merchant Vessels List, U.S., 1894
• Thousand Island Life Website Volume 14, Issue 4, April 2019
• The Great Lakes Red Book, 1923
• American Bureau of Shipping, Great Lakes Department, 1920
• Great Lakes Register 1912
• Port Huron Daily Time
• YouTube video CC Dan Gildea

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• Keywords: HARVEY J. KENDALL, steam barge, Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River, Button Bay, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Augustus R. Hinckley, SALVAGE QUEEN, Marine City Michigan, Great Lakes maritime history.