Burt Barnes C 150489

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Burt Barnes
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1882
• Builder: Greenleaf S. Rand, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA
• Dimensions: Length: 95.42 ft (29.1 m); Beam: 24.42 ft (7.4 m); Depth: 7.25 ft (2.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 134 tons; Net Tonnage: 127 tons
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Braddocks Point, approximately 10 miles south of Long Point
• Official Number: 3193 (U.S.); C150489 (Canada)
• Original Owners: J.W. Barnes, Oliver Oberg, Thomas E. Torrison, Graham Brothers, James Swift Coal Company
• Number of Masts: Originally two masts, modified to include a third mast

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Burt Barnes was a wooden schooner initially rigged with two masts, later modified to include a third mast for enhanced cargo capacity and sailing performance. As a typical workhorse of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, this vessel was designed to transport bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and grain efficiently across the inland seas. The schooner’s rugged construction allowed it to endure the often unpredictable and harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

The Burt Barnes was built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1882 by Greenleaf S. Rand, a master shipbuilder. Owned initially by J.W. Barnes, the schooner began service as a two-masted vessel before being modified with a third mast to increase its efficiency and capacity. The vessel operated on Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, carrying vital goods that supported the economic growth of the region.

History

Construction and Early Service
The Burt Barnes was built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1882 by Greenleaf S. Rand, a master shipbuilder. Owned initially by J.W. Barnes, the schooner began service as a two-masted vessel before being modified with a third mast to increase its efficiency and capacity. The vessel operated on Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, carrying vital goods that supported the economic growth of the region.

Ownership and Service Life

• 1882-1896: Owned by J.W. Barnes of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the vessel was primarily used for regional cargo transport.
• 1896-1899: Ownership passed to Oliver Oberg, also of Manitowoc. During this period, the schooner faced challenges, including stranding near Jacksonport, Wisconsin, in 1895. It was salvaged and returned to service.
• 1899-1904: Acquired by Thomas E. Torrison, the schooner continued cargo operations.
• 1904-1924: Under the ownership of Graham Brothers of Kincardine, Ontario, the vessel was re-registered under the Canadian number C150489. This marked the start of its service in Canadian waters.
• 1924-1926: The James Swift Coal Company of Kingston, Ontario, acquired the schooner. It primarily transported coal, a vital commodity for heating and industrial applications in the early 20th century.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Sinking
On September 3, 1926, the Burt Barnes embarked on its final voyage from Sodus Point, New York, loaded with coal destined for Picton, Ontario. During the journey, the schooner encountered rough weather near Braddocks Point on Lake Ontario. Despite the crew’s efforts, the vessel could not withstand the storm’s fury and foundered. The schooner and its cargo sank to the lakebed, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.

Final Disposition

The Burt Barnes rests on the bottom of Lake Ontario, near Braddocks Point. Its exact wreck location remains undocumented, and the condition of the wreck is unknown due to the absence of modern exploration or surveys.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Safety: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck site.
Accessibility: The wreck’s location has not been confirmed, and it remains unexplored.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the Burt Barnes, if discovered, would offer valuable insights into the design and operation of schooners during this period. It also stands as a testament to the vital role such vessels played in connecting communities and fostering commerce across the Great Lakes.