Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Harvey J. Kendall
- Type: Wooden Steam Barge
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: George S. Week
- Dimensions: Length: 141.7 ft (43.2 m); Beam: 30.9 ft (9.4 m); Depth: 9.2 ft (2.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 398 Gross Tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
- Location: Button Bay, Wolfe Island, Ontario
- Official Number: 9616
- Original Owners: George Hall Corporation, Captain Augustus R. Hinckley
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Harvey J. Kendall was a wooden steam barge, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These barges were designed for durability and capacity, capable of transporting bulk cargoes such as grain and coal. In 1917, the Kendall was converted into a self-unloading freighter, equipped with internal railroad tracks to facilitate cargo handling. By the time Captain Hinckley acquired her, the vessel was aging and required significant maintenance.
Description
Launched on April 10, 1892, in Marine City, Michigan, the Harvey J. Kendall served various owners before being purchased by Captain Augustus R. Hinckley around 1929-1930. Hinckley, a seasoned mariner from Wolfe Island, intended to use the vessel for buoy retrieval operations under contract with the U.S. Coast Guard.
In December 1930, the Kendall embarked on a mission to collect buoys along the St. Lawrence River, reaching as far as Waddington. The crew faced harsh winter conditions, mechanical issues including a faulty draft damper, and a leaking hull. After becoming stuck in ice near Cardinal, Ontario, the vessel was freed by the tug SALVAGE QUEEN but continued to take on water. Ultimately, the Kendall sank near Cardinal. The vessel was refloated the following spring but was deemed unfit for service and subsequently scuttled in Button Bay, Wolfe Island.
History
After its final mission and subsequent sinking in 1930, the Harvey J. Kendall was abandoned in Button Bay. The vessel remains there, partially submerged and serving as an artificial reef for various aquatic species. The stern section is mostly intact, though the bridge section has suffered significant damage from ice over the years.
Significant Incidents
- December 1930: The Kendall sank near Cardinal, Ontario, after facing mechanical issues and harsh winter conditions.
- 1931: The vessel was refloated but deemed unfit for service.
- Subsequently scuttled in Button Bay, Wolfe Island.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Harvey J. Kendall lies in 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) of water, facing south toward Cape Vincent. The stern section is largely intact, and divers can explore the cabin area, though it is filled with sediment. The cargo holds still contain the railroad tracks from the self-unloading mechanism, and the large boiler remains visible. Due to the lack of current in the bay, visibility can quickly deteriorate if the sediment is disturbed. Divers should exercise caution due to the deteriorated condition of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Harvey J. Kendall lies in shallow waters, providing an accessible dive site for intermediate divers. The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting various aquatic species.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”harvey-j-kendall-us-96166″ title=”References & Links”]
For those interested in Great Lakes maritime history, the Harvey J. Kendall offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of the past, with its remnants providing insight into the era of wooden steam barges.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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