IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The HILDA was a steel river barge built in 1898 by Bertram Engineering Works of Toronto, Canada. With a robust steel hull featuring a 5-inch wood-sheathed bottom and bilges, it was designed primarily for cargo transport along the rivers and lakes of the region. The barge had a gross tonnage of 458.41 tons and a net tonnage of 417.71 tons, making it a significant vessel for its time. Over the years, it was repurposed multiple times, serving various owners and roles, including as a crane barge after modifications in 1929.
HISTORY #
The HILDA was initially built for the Prescott Elevator Co. Ltd. and underwent several ownership changes throughout its life, being acquired by companies such as the St. Lawrence Terminal Co. Ltd. and the Montreal Transportation Co. The barge faced several maritime incidents, including groundings in 1918 and 1919. Despite these challenges, it was salvaged and continued to operate. By 1923, the HILDA was owned by R.G. Weddell Construction of Trenton, Ontario, and later by Pyke Towing & Salvage of Kingston, where it was converted into a crane barge.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
In October 1969, after decades of service and extensive wear, the HILDA was deemed unfit for further use. It was intentionally scuttled in Lake Ontario off the coast of Kingston, near Amherst Island, where it remains to this day at a depth of approximately 250 feet.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The HILDA lies in relatively deep waters, making it accessible primarily to advanced divers equipped for deep diving. The wreck is largely intact but heavily encrusted with aquatic life, with sections of the barge now buried under silt and debris. The site is a popular destination for technical divers due to its depth and historical significance.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
For further information and historical records on the HILDA and other shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, you may refer to the following resources:
