Site Information #
Vessel Description: #
The unidentified barge, speculated to be the Petro Barge, is a wooden sailing scow submerged at a depth of 121 feet on the east side of an island near Ivy Lea in the Saint Lawrence River. The vessel’s construction likely dates back to the early 20th century, with records suggesting a possible build date of 1908 and registration in Montreal, Quebec.
Historical Context: #
The barge is believed to have played a significant role during the construction of the Thousand Islands Bridge in the 1930s. It was purportedly used to haul rocks from the blasting of bridge foundations at Ivy Lea. After the bridge’s completion and opening in April 1937, the barge was apparently submerged for the winter and forgotten, never to be recovered until its rediscovery in 2004.
Identification & Final Disposition: #
Though not confirmed, the best candidate for this barge’s identity is the L.C. AND S. NO. 1, a wooden sailing scow registered in Montreal. This vessel, with a gross tonnage of 52.9, was rebuilt at Cornwall, Ontario, in 1906. The barge went out of existence as per the advice from N.B. Cohen, and its registry was closed on October 4, 1937. The timing and location match the rumors and stories surrounding the barge found by Mike Ryan and Chris McCartney.
Survey and Current Condition: #
The barge lies in deep water, and the survey conducted by the Great Lakes Explorers Club confirmed the structure’s stability, but no direct contact was made. The vessel remains largely intact, with some indications of wear consistent with its age and long period underwater.
Mystery and Speculation: #
The true identity of the barge has eluded confirmation, but the surrounding rumors, odd memories, and stories gathered from local communities suggest that it could indeed be the Petro Barge used during the bridge construction. This vessel’s story highlights the challenges of identifying and documenting historical vessels, especially those that were not built for long-term use or under government documentation.
Resources & Links: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Leeds County Museum Photo Collection
- SOS Great Lakes Explorers Club
- Historical Records of Pratt Co. Montreal
Keywords: #
Unidentified Barge, Petro Barge, Ivy Lea, Saint Lawrence River, Thousand Islands Bridge, Underwater Survey, Wood Sailing Scow, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Maritime History.
Analysis: #
This wreck provides a unique opportunity to explore the challenges of underwater archeology and the identification of lost vessels. The lack of definitive records or detailed documentation complicates efforts to confirm the barge’s identity, underscoring the importance of historical preservation and the role of local stories in piecing together maritime history. The discovery also adds a layer of intrigue to the history of the Thousand Islands Bridge and its construction, connecting the past with present-day exploration.
