Hiawatha – Lake Ontario Barge Shipwreck (1917)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: HIAWATHA
• Type: Barge
• Year Built: 1890
• Builder: Thomas O’Brien
• Dimensions: 189 ft x 30 ft x 12 ft
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Yorkshire Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not disclosed
• Official Number: C 96904
• Original Owners: Calvin Co.; Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Co.; Montreal Transportation Co.
• Number of Masts: Three-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The HIAWATHA was a wooden barge built in 1890, initially constructed without masts and later rebuilt as a three-masted vessel.

Description

The HIAWATHA was a significant part of the Great Lakes maritime economy, with a capacity of 40,000 bushels, reflecting the era’s evolving shipping needs.

History

Construction and Early Years
Built at a cost of $20,000, the HIAWATHA was a valuable asset for its initial owner, Calvin Co. By 1892, the vessel had a top insurance rating of A11½ and was valued at $19,000. Over the years, the vessel saw a steady decline in value due to repairs, aging, and incidents, with its worth eventually dropping to $3,000 by 1916.

Ownership Transitions
Initially owned by Calvin Co., it was later acquired by Kingston & Montreal Forwarding Co. and subsequently transferred to the Montreal Transportation Co..

Incidents and Repairs

• November 5, 1891: Ran aground off Charlotte (Rochester), New York.
• October 12, 1894: Drifted adrift on Lake Erie.
• June 1912: Ran aground at Prescott, Ontario, but was repaired successfully.
• In 1909, HIAWATHA underwent significant rebuilding, reflecting efforts to extend its operational life.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Loss
On September 20, 1917, while carrying coal from Oswego, New York, to Montreal, the HIAWATHA foundered near Galloo Island, southeast of Main Duck Island. The vessel was under tow by the Canada Steamship Lines tug MAGNOLIA, along with another barge, HILDA. Tragically, the sinking claimed the lives of five men, two women, and one child. The lone survivor was rescued by the steamer McVITTIE. The HIAWATHA‘s registry was closed on October 1, 1917, marking the end of its service.

Final Disposition

The HIAWATHA foundered and sank near Yorkshire Island in Lake Ontario. Despite its historical significance, the wreck has not been extensively explored or documented. The site remains a testament to the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, especially for vessels under tow.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck, but caution is advised in the area near Yorkshire Island due to potential submerged hazards.

Resources & Links

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The HIAWATHA‘s story highlights the challenges of maritime transportation in the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The wreck site near Yorkshire Island offers a poignant reminder of the vessel’s legacy and the lives lost in its tragic sinking.