Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: GLM 507 (“Dooner’s Barge”)
- Type: Steel Barge
- Year Built: 1963
- Builder: Mobile, Alabama, USA
- Dimensions: Length: 240 ft (73.2 m); Beam: 50 ft (15.2 m); Depth: 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 1,100 tons; Net: 1,100 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 53 m / 165 ft
- Location: Long Point, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: N42° 36.497′, W79° 54.443′
- Official Number: Former US# 291051
- Original Owners: John “Dooner” Misner, Great Lakes Marine Contracting, Ltd., Port Dover, Ontario
- Number of Masts: Towed vessel
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The GLM 507 was a steel barge built in 1963, designed for towing operations. It had a robust construction suitable for carrying heavy cargoes, such as pig iron, across the Great Lakes. The barge’s large size and durable structure reflected the industrial demands of the mid-20th century shipping industry. It served primarily under the ownership of Great Lakes Marine Contracting, Ltd., Port Dover, Ontario.
Description
HISTORY & FINAL VOYAGE
The GLM 507, known colloquially as “Dooner’s Barge,” was actively used for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. Its ownership by John “Dooner” Misner, a prominent figure in the regional marine contracting business, highlights its role in supporting industrial operations along the lakes.
On November 18, 1981, the GLM 507 met its demise. While details regarding the cause of its foundering are unclear, the barge sank near Long Point, Lake Erie. At the time of the incident, it was loaded with 1,600 tons of pig iron, which now lies scattered around the wreck on a mud bottom. The loss of the barge added to the rich history of shipwrecks in the challenging waters of Lake Erie, where unpredictable weather and navigational hazards have claimed many vessels.
Significant Incidents
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck of the GLM 507 is located at a depth of 165 feet (53 meters) near Long Point, Lake Erie. The barge lies broken and scattered, with remnants of its steel structure and cargo visible on the lakebed. The site provides a unique glimpse into the barge’s final moments, with the scattered pig iron cargo serving as a reminder of its operational history.
Final Disposition
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck site is of interest to advanced divers due to its depth and the scattered remains of the barge and its cargo. The mud bottom around the wreck site may pose visibility challenges, particularly during disturbances. Artifacts from the barge, including sections of its steel hull and the pig iron cargo, are prominent features of the site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the GLM 507, but mariners and divers should exercise caution due to the depth and debris field around the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”glm-507-dooners-bargeus-291051″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The GLM 507, or “Dooner’s Barge,” represents the industrial maritime activity that characterized the Great Lakes in the 20th century. Its loss in 1981 near Long Point, Lake Erie, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vessels operating in the region. The wreck’s scattered remains and cargo field provide an intriguing site for exploration and study, highlighting the vessel’s legacy as a workhorse of Great Lakes shipping.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: GLM 507 (“Dooner’s Barge”)
- Type: Steel Barge
- Year Built: 1963
- Builder: Mobile, Alabama, USA
- Dimensions:
- Length: 240 feet (73.2 meters)
- Beam (Width): 50 feet (15.2 meters)
- Depth: 11 feet (3.35 meters)
- Tonnage:
- Gross: 1,100 tons
- Net: 1,100 tons
- Owner: John “Dooner” Misner, Great Lakes Marine Contracting, Ltd., Port Dover, Ontario
- Power: Towed vessel
- Official Number: Former US# 291051
- Cargo at Time of Loss: 1,600 tons of pig iron
- Final Location:
- Coordinates: N42° 36.497′, W79° 54.443′
- Depth: 165 feet (53 meters)
- Bottom Composition: Mud
- Location: Long Point, Lake Erie
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The GLM 507 was a steel barge built in 1963, designed for towing operations. It had a robust construction suitable for carrying heavy cargoes, such as pig iron, across the Great Lakes. The barge’s large size and durable structure reflected the industrial demands of the mid-20th century shipping industry. It served primarily under the ownership of Great Lakes Marine Contracting, Ltd., Port Dover, Ontario.
HISTORY & FINAL VOYAGE
The GLM 507, known colloquially as “Dooner’s Barge,” was actively used for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. Its ownership by John “Dooner” Misner, a prominent figure in the regional marine contracting business, highlights its role in supporting industrial operations along the lakes.
On November 18, 1981, the GLM 507 met its demise. While details regarding the cause of its foundering are unclear, the barge sank near Long Point, Lake Erie. At the time of the incident, it was loaded with 1,600 tons of pig iron, which now lies scattered around the wreck on a mud bottom. The loss of the barge added to the rich history of shipwrecks in the challenging waters of Lake Erie, where unpredictable weather and navigational hazards have claimed many vessels.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck of the GLM 507 is located at a depth of 165 feet (53 meters) near Long Point, Lake Erie. The barge lies broken and scattered, with remnants of its steel structure and cargo visible on the lakebed. The site provides a unique glimpse into the barge’s final moments, with the scattered pig iron cargo serving as a reminder of its operational history.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck site is of interest to advanced divers due to its depth and the scattered remains of the barge and its cargo. The mud bottomaround the wreck site may pose visibility challenges, particularly during disturbances. Artifacts from the barge, including sections of its steel hull and the pig iron cargo, are prominent features of the site.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the GLM 507, but mariners and divers should exercise caution due to the depth and debris field around the wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Archives
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks
KEYWORDS
GLM 507, Dooner’s Barge, Long Point Shipwreck, Lake Erie Wrecks, Steel Barge, Pig Iron Cargo, Great Lakes Marine Contracting, John Dooner Misner, 1981 Shipwreck.
CONCLUSION
The GLM 507, or “Dooner’s Barge,” represents the industrial maritime activity that characterized the Great Lakes in the 20th century. Its loss in 1981 near Long Point, Lake Erie, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vessels operating in the region. The wreck’s scattered remains and cargo field provide an intriguing site for exploration and study, highlighting the vessel’s legacy as a workhorse of Great Lakes shipping.
glm-507-dooners-bargeus-291051 1981-11-18 07:50:00