IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Commodore Barrie was a wooden-hulled steamship powered by a sidewheel propulsion system with twin engines. As a steamer, it was one of the early vessels of its kind on Lake Ontario, primarily used for transporting cargo and passengers between various ports. The vessel’s size and twin-engine setup made it a significant player in the maritime trade of the region during its time.
HISTORY
The Commodore Barrie was launched in 1833 in Kingston, Ontario, and served the Great Lakes for nearly a decade before its untimely demise. The ship was owned by a joint stock company based in Kingston and was engaged in transporting goods and passengers across Lake Ontario.
The vessel’s operational history was marred by several incidents. On August 29, 1839, the Commodore Barrie collided with another steamship, the William IV, resulting in substantial damage. Despite the repairs, the vessel continued to operate until May 4, 1842, when it was involved in a catastrophic collision with the schooner Canada.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On April 30, 1842, the Commodore Barrie met its final fate approximately 10 miles off Long Point, west of Kingston, in Lake Ontario. During a voyage from Niagara to Kingston, the vessel collided with the schooner Canada near Presque Isle. The collision caused severe damage to the bow of the Commodore Barrie, leading it to take on water rapidly. Despite efforts to mitigate the flooding by lightening the load and attempting repairs, the ship ultimately sank to a depth of 300 feet (100 meters). Remarkably, no lives were lost in the incident, as all passengers and crew were rescued by the schooner Canada.
At the time of its sinking, the Commodore Barrie was carrying 500 barrels of flour. The vessel, considered old and valued at around $15,000, was uninsured, leading to a total financial loss for the owners.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the Commodore Barrie.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of the Commodore Barrie has been known to local historians and divers, though specific details regarding the discovery or exploration of the wreck site are not provided in this report.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of the Commodore Barrie lies at a considerable depth of 300 feet (91.4 meters), making it accessible only to advanced technical divers equipped for deep diving. Given its wooden construction and the depth at which it rests, the wreck is likely well-preserved in the cold, low-oxygen environment of Lake Ontario. However, visibility and accessibility are subject to the challenging conditions at this depth, including the potential for strong currents and cold water temperatures.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Commodore Barrie: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – Commodore Barrie: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Historical Society: Great Lakes Historical Society
- Technical Diving Resources – Lake Ontario: Technical Diving International
KEYWORDS
- Commodore Barrie, Steamer, Long Point, Lake Ontario, Collision, Schooner Canada, 19th Century Shipwreck, Technical Diving, Great Lakes Maritime History.
ANALYSIS The Commodore Barrie is a significant wreck site in Lake Ontario, offering insights into the early steam-powered vessels that operated on the Great Lakes. Its tragic end following a collision highlights the risks of 19th-century maritime travel and the challenges faced by vessels operating in these waters. The depth of the wreck presents a unique opportunity for advanced divers to explore a well-preserved piece of maritime history, though it also requires specialized equipment and training due to the extreme conditions.
