Cornwall – St. Lawrence River Barge Shipwreck (1913)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Cornwall
• Type: Lake Barge
• Year Built: 1890
• Builder: Ainsley, Kingston, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length (Overall): 184.6 ft (56.2 m); Beam; Depth of hold: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage: 607.72 tons
• Location: Old Canal, Cornwall, Ontario
• Official Number: C 94889
• Original Owners: Montreal Transportation Company
• Number of Masts: Originally three masts, later operated without them

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Lake Barge

Description

The Cornwall was a wooden lake barge originally launched with three masts but later operated without them. Its design was optimized for grain transportation, capable of carrying 45,000 bushels on lakes and 36,000 bushels in canals. The vessel featured a round stern and a deck cabin.

History

The Cornwall had an eventful service life marked by multiple sinkings and mishaps:

• October 31, 1903: Sank but was refloated and returned to service.
• 1906: Collided with the steamer Dundurn in the Soulanges Canal, sinking in 16 feet (5 meters) of water.
• June 11, 1907: Struck a rock near Smith’s Island, Brockville, Ontario, and sank again.
• 1911: Ran aground near Howe Island, Kingston, Ontario.
• Final Sinking: On October 2, 1913, the Cornwall was transporting grain through the Cornwall Canal when the cargo swelled, causing its seams to open. The lines connecting it to the tug Emerson broke, and the barge sank at Dickinson’s Landing, Ontario.

Significant Incidents

After this final incident, the Cornwall was deemed unsalvageable. Its equipment was stripped, and the wreck was sold for $1 to A.J. Lee of Montreal. The Montreal Transportation Company declared the vessel a total loss, valued at $4,500. The Cornwall’s registry was officially closed on November 4, 1913.

Final Disposition

Current Condition: The wreck lies partially buried in the canal bed, with significant deterioration due to environmental conditions and the passage of time. The location’s high currents and low visibility make detailed exploration difficult.

Salvage Efforts: The barge was stripped of valuable equipment following its sinking.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Dive Site Experience:

• Difficulty Level: Advanced, due to high currents and low visibility.
• Attractions: The site offers a glimpse into the history of canal transport and barge operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Conditions: Divers should exercise caution and ensure proper equipment and experience before attempting to explore the site.

Resources & Links

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The Cornwall’s wreck is a testament to the era’s bustling maritime trade and the risks faced by vessels on the St. Lawrence River. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of early 20th-century shipping and the resilience of those who navigated these vital waterways.