IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CARRIER was a wooden river barge, designed primarily for cargo transportation along the St. Lawrence River. The vessel featured a round stern and was noted for its ability to carry large quantities of bulk materials, such as coal. It was powered by wind and current, typical for barges of this era.
HISTORY #
- Construction: Built in 1862 by P. Coulter (with some sources citing J.B. Auger as the builder) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Original Owners: J. & H. McLennan, who operated the vessel from its construction in 1862 until 1864.
- Operational History: During its active years, the CARRIER was primarily used for transporting coal between Montreal and Kingston, serving the needs of gas companies along the river. The vessel underwent a rebuild in 1870, which was likely necessitated by wear and tear or to update its cargo capacity and durability.
- Ownership Changes: After the rebuild, the CARRIER was owned by St. Lawrence & Chicago Forwarding, under the operation of Coulthurst & McPhee, from 1870 to 1877. The final owner on record was Geo. Chaffey.
- Condition & Ratings: The barge was initially rated 1 out of 3 in 1863, reflecting average conditions for its time. By 1864, its rating improved to an A, indicating enhanced reliability or perhaps upgrades made during the rebuild. The vessel was consistently valued at $2,500 throughout its service life.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
- Sinking: The CARRIER met its end when it sank in the St. Lawrence River. This incident led to the official closure of its registry on March 9, 1880. The exact circumstances of the sinking are not well-documented, but the vessel’s age and the harsh conditions of river navigation likely contributed to its demise.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are related to the site of the CARRIER’s wreck.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The location of the CARRIER’s wreck has not been specifically documented or identified, and there are no known diving expeditions associated with the site.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck site remains undocumented, and thus, its current condition and accessibility for diving or research purposes are unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Alpena Public Library Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Association of Canadian La Underwriters Marine Register
- Bush Commercial Navigation of the Rideau Canal
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes Canadian Ship Registers
- Kingston Daily News
KEYWORDS #
River Barge, St. Lawrence River, 19th Century Shipwreck, Montreal Shipbuilding, Cargo Transportation
ANALYSIS #
The CARRIER’s history is emblematic of the challenges faced by early river barges operating on the St. Lawrence River. Built during a period of industrial expansion in Canada, the CARRIER’s use for transporting coal—a vital commodity for the gas industry—highlights the important role such vessels played in supporting urban infrastructure. The barge’s eventual sinking underscores the perils of river navigation during this era, with many vessels succumbing to the harsh conditions of the St. Lawrence River. The lack of precise records surrounding its final voyage and sinking leaves an air of mystery, typical of many maritime stories from this period. The CARRIER’s history offers insights into the evolution of cargo transportation on Canadian waterways during the 19th century.
