Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.N. Pratt
- Type: Wooden Steambarge
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Henry Jenkins, Walkerville, Ontario
- Dimensions: 127 ft (38.7 m); Beam: 26.6 ft (8.1 m); Depth of hold: 9.7 ft (3.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 321.04 tons
- Location: Saint Lawrence River
- Official Number: 80574
- Original Owners: Simon Wigle, McGowan & Chamberlain, Consolidated Oka Sand & Gravel Co.
- Number of Masts: One
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C.N. Pratt was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a vessel type commonly used on the Great Lakes and inland waterways for bulk cargo transport.
Description
Originally built in 1881, the C.N. Pratt was designed for carrying coal, lumber, and general freight. She operated between Cleveland, Collingwood, Windsor, and other Great Lakes ports.
History
The C.N. Pratt was built for Simon Wigle of Windsor, Ontario. The vessel’s engine and boiler were repurposed from the steam tug Zouave, which had been abandoned in 1877. The C.N. Pratt underwent several ownership changes and rebuilds throughout her service life, including a significant rebuild in 1886 when she was renamed C.W. Chamberlain.
Significant Incidents
- 1883: Transported coal and oil between Cleveland, Ohio, and Collingwood, Ontario.
- 1885: Burned at dock in Windsor but was rebuilt.
- 1886: Ownership changed to McGowan & Chamberlain; rebuilt and renamed C.W. Chamberlain.
- 1929: Renamed Glenarm and operated by Consolidated Oka Sand & Gravel Co., Montreal.
Final Disposition
The C.N. Pratt foundered in the Saint Lawrence River in 1932, likely due to structural failure or rough conditions. The exact details of her sinking remain scarce, and her final resting place is unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility
If not salvaged, the wooden hull has likely deteriorated over the years. Metal components, machinery, and possibly cargo remains may still be on the riverbed. Sonar or ROV searches may detect the engine and boiler, which were repurposed from the Zouave.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-n-pratt-us-80574″ title=”References & Links”]
The C.N. Pratt serves as an example of the decline of wooden steambarges on the Great Lakes, marking the end of an era for this type of vessel.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →