IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
SITE DESCRIPTION: #
The wreck of the CORNWALL lies in the old canal near Cornwall, Ontario, in conditions characterized by high currents and low visibility. This site poses challenges for divers due to the environmental conditions, but it remains an intriguing location for those interested in maritime history and shipwrecks.
VESSEL DESCRIPTION: #
The CORNWALL was a lake barge launched in Kingston, Ontario, on June 16, 1890. It had an official Canadian registration number of C 94889 and a gross tonnage of 607.72 tons, with a registered tonnage of 585.96 tons. The vessel measured 178.6 feet between perpendiculars and 184.6 feet overall. Originally equipped with three masts, the CORNWALL was later operated without them. The barge featured a round stern and a cabin on the deck, designed for transporting large quantities of grain, with a capacity of 45,000 bushels on lakes and 36,000 bushels in canals at a draft of 9 feet.
HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT: #
The CORNWALL was built by Ainsley of the Montreal Transportation Co., and its launch marked the beginning of a service life that included several unfortunate incidents:
- October 31, 1903: The barge sank but was successfully raised.
- 1906: It collided with the steamer DUNDURN in the Soulanges Canal, leading to another sinking in 16 feet of water.
- June 11, 1907: The CORNWALL struck a rock near Smith’s Island in the narrows of Brockville, Ontario, and sank once more.
- 1911: The barge ran aground on Howe Island near Kingston.
- October 2, 1913: The CORNWALL faced its final mishap in the Cornwall Canal at Dickinson’s Landing, Ontario. Swelling of its grain cargo led to the opening of its seams, causing the vessel to sink when the lines from the tug EMERSON broke. This incident led to the closure of the CORNWALL‘s registry on November 4, 1913.
Following its sinking, the wreck was stripped of valuable equipment, including pumps, and sold to A.J. Lee of Montreal for $1. The Montreal Transportation Co. wrote off the vessel’s value as $4,500.
DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE: #
Diving at the CORNWALL wreck site is challenging due to the high current and low visibility conditions in the old canal. Despite these challenges, the site is an important piece of maritime history, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore a well-documented historical wreck in the St. Lawrence River region.
ANALYSIS: #
The CORNWALL‘s history is reflective of the challenges faced by barges operating in the St. Lawrence River and its surrounding waterways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The repeated incidents leading to the vessel’s final sinking illustrate the difficulties of navigating these waters, particularly with large cargo loads. The wreck serves as a testament to the era’s maritime industry and the risks undertaken by those involved in shipping and transportation.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records and historical accounts of shipwrecks and vessels in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Information on underwater cultural heritage and shipwreck preservation efforts in Ontario.
KEYWORDS: #
CORNWALL, Lake Barge, Old Canal, St. Lawrence River, Shipwreck, Cornwall Ontario, Montreal Transportation Company, Maritime History.
