Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Albion (originally Bristol)
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steambarge
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: Wm. Saunders, Brockville, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 134 ft (40.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 297 tons
- Location: Northeast of Grindstone City, near Pointe aux Barques
- Official Number: C 73960
- Original Owners: George Chaffee et al.; Bryce Muir of Grantham, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Albion, initially named Bristol, was a propeller-driven steambarge designed for bulk freight transportation, particularly lumber. Its wooden hull and sturdy design made it a reliable workhorse on the Great Lakes. Rebuilt in 1876 after a fire, the Albion’s updated construction and capabilities reflected the demands of maritime commerce during the late 19th century.
Description
The Albion, originally built as the Bristol in 1862, was a wooden propeller steambarge used for bulk freight transportation. It was constructed by Wm. Saunders in Brockville, Ontario, with dimensions of 134 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 297 tons.
History
1862: Built as the Bristol in Brockville, Ontario, by Wm. Saunders.
Ownership: Initially owned by George Chaffee et al. in Kingston, Ontario. Renamed Albion in 1876 after being rebuilt by A. Muir & Bros. in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Owned by Bryce Muir of Grantham, Ontario at the time of its loss.
Significant Incidents
- October 1875: The vessel was severely damaged by fire but was subsequently rebuilt and renamed.
Operations: Routes included Montreal to Chicago, Hamilton, Toledo, St. Catharines, and Port Dalhousie. Frequently towed barges such as Antelope, Albert Ross, Albicore, and Ark.
Final Disposition
The Albion’s wreckage remained northeast of Grindstone City, marking the tragic end of a vessel with decades of service on the Great Lakes. Its loss was a testament to the hazards faced by ships navigating these waters in challenging weather.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Albion is submerged in Lake Huron, and divers are encouraged to document the site using no-touch methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring the site remains undisturbed for future exploration.
Resources & Links
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The Albion, originally the Bristol, serves as a poignant example of the wooden steambarges that supported Great Lakes commerce in the 19th century. Its history, culminating in its tragic loss in 1887, illustrates both the importance of these vessels to regional trade and the ever-present dangers of navigating the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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