Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bryn Barge, John Fritz, John R. Roebling
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk barges (non-self-propelled)
- Year Built: 1900, 1898, 1898
- Builder: Bryn Mawr: Chicago; John Fritz & John R. Roebling: F.W. Wheeler & Co.
- Dimensions: Approx. 412–436 ft (125–133 m) length
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lakeview area of Mississauga, Ontario, east of Port Credit
- Original Owners: Pittsburgh Steamship Company; Bessemer Steamship Company; Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
These vessels are steel-hulled bulk barges that were not self-propelled, designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
The Bryn Barge (originally Bryn Mawr), John Fritz, and John R. Roebling were constructed in the late 19th century and served as bulk carriers. They were repurposed in 1968 as part of a breakwater to protect the Lakeview Generating Station shoreline.
History
All three vessels served decades hauling bulk cargo on the upper Great Lakes. The Bryn Mawr was renamed Bryn Barge in 1962 when repurposed as grain storage in Goderich. The John Fritz and John R. Roebling continued in service until the mid-1960s. In 1968, all three hulls were stripped and sunk to create a breakwater protecting the Lakeview Generating Station shoreline at Mississauga.
Significant Incidents
- 1962: Bryn Mawr renamed Bryn Barge for grain storage.
- 1968: All three barges sunk to create a breakwater.
Final Disposition
The vessels now rest permanently as a steel breakwater at Mississauga’s Lakeview shoreline, serving as a protective barrier against erosion and wave action.
Current Condition & Accessibility
While specific coordinates are not publicly published, the barges are visible from shoreline paths and aerial views near Lakeview Generating Station. Divers have explored the wrecks, navigating between concrete markers to locate the barge structures.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bryn-barge-john-fritz-john-a-roebling” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Bryn Barge, John Fritz, and John R. Roebling offer a unique glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes, serving as a reminder of the region’s industrial past and the importance of coastal stewardship.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →