Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description Barge No. 23 was a wooden river barge designed for transporting bulk cargo, such as lumber and grains, along the waterways of Quebec and Ontario. The vessel was single-decked, which was typical for barges of its kind, and it had a substantial carrying capacity of 7,000 bushels following its rebuild in 1860. Its design made it suitable for being towed by tugboats, a common practice for transporting goods across the Great Lakes and surrounding rivers.
History Barge No. 23 was initially constructed in Quebec, Quebec, in 1855. The vessel underwent significant modifications in 1860, which increased its tonnage to 98 tons. By 1862, the barge had been registered under the name Twenty Three, with a tonnage of 109 tons, indicating further adjustments or re-measurements. The barge measured 94.3 feet in length, 18.8 feet in beam, and 6.8 feet in depth.
In the early 1860s, the barge became part of the Sincennes & McNaughton Line fleet, based in Montreal. This company was well-known for its transportation services on the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, playing a crucial role in the movement of goods between Canada and the United States.
Ownership By 1864, Barge No. 23 was owned by E. Berry & Company of Kingston, Ontario, reflecting a shift in its operational region. The barge continued to be an essential asset for transporting lumber and other bulk goods across the region’s waterways.
Final Voyage and Tragic Fate The final chapter of Barge No. 23 came on August 15, 1866, when it foundered near Picton, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. The barge was carrying a cargo of lumber when it broke adrift from its tow off Long Point. Despite being towed by a tugboat, the barge was unable to withstand the harsh conditions and subsequently sank.
The incident resulted in the loss of three crew members’ lives, a tragic outcome that sparked criticism of the tug’s captain, who was accused of not providing timely assistance. An inquest was held to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but the inquest was adjourned for further evidence due to perceived negligence on the part of the tugboat captain.
Losses and Impact The property loss from the wreck was significant, with the hull of the barge valued at $800 and the cargo of lumber estimated at $1,300. The incident was a severe blow to the owners, as both the vessel and its cargo were lost to the depths of Lake Ontario.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of Barge No. 23, as the incident occurred in the 19th century and the wreck has not been actively located or marked.
Located By & Date The wreck of Barge No. 23 has not been located, and its exact resting place near Picton, Ontario, remains unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility Given the age and nature of the wreck, Barge No. 23 is likely in a state of considerable decay, if any remains exist at all. The wreck is not documented as an accessible site, and its exact location in Lake Ontario has not been identified. As such, it remains a part of the many lost ships of the Great Lakes, with its story preserved mainly through historical records.
Resources & Links
- List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada as of December 31, 1874: Historical records detailing registered vessels, including Barge No. 23.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including Barge No. 23.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including Barge No. 23.
Keywords Barge No. 23, Twenty Three, river barge, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, E. Berry & Company, maritime history, Great Lakes, Sincennes & McNaughton Line
Analysis Barge No. 23 (or Twenty Three) represents a significant yet tragic part of the maritime history of Lake Ontario. Built in 1855 and later rebuilt, this wooden river barge was an essential tool for the transportation of bulk goods in the mid-19th century. Its loss in 1866, along with the lives of three crew members, highlights the dangers faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes. The criticism leveled at the tug’s captain underscores the perilous nature of towing operations and the critical importance of timely intervention during emergencies. While the barge’s wreck has not been located, the story of Barge No. 23 remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in Great Lakes shipping during this period.
