Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Imperial
- Type: wooden-hulled bulk barge
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: Fort William, Ontario
- Dimensions: Approximately 127 ft long × 34 ft beam; 648 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 648 tons
- Location: Fort William, Ontario
- Original Owners: Imperial fleet
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled bulk barge, originally part of the Imperial fleet.
Description
Description
The Imperial was a wooden-hulled bulk barge built in 1902, primarily used for transporting petroleum products and bulk materials across the Great Lakes.
History
History
Originally part of the Imperial fleet, the barge was utilized for various cargoes, including crude oil and other bulk materials. It was converted into a lighter in the same year of its construction, showcasing its adaptability to changing service needs.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1922: Transferred to Western Canada, possibly serving in coastal lighter operations.
- 1963: Rebuilt at Fort William as part of fleet modernization.
- 1964: Scrapped at Fort William, concluding over sixty years of service.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Imperial was scrapped in 1964 at Fort William, marking the end of its operational life after extensive service in the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The vessel has been scrapped, and no physical remains are known to exist.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”imperial-1902″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Imperial barge serves as a historical example of the evolution of shipping practices on the Great Lakes, reflecting the economic and industrial changes of the early 20th century.
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.
Construction & Launch
- Name: Imperial (often referred to as “Imperial (I)” in fleet registers)
- Built: 1902, Fort William, Ontario — wooden-hulled bulk barge
- Dimensions: Approximately 127 ft long × 34 ft beam; 648 tons
(aukevisser.nl, SpringerLink)
Service History
- Originally part of the “Imperial” fleet, the barge was used to transport petroleum products, crude cargo, or bulk materials on the Great Lakes.
- Remained in lake service for many years, evidencing durable build and local demand.
(aukevisser.nl) - Converted into a lighter (non-self‑propelled cargo platform) at Fort William in 1902.
(aukevisser.nl)
Later Modifications & Final Disposition
- 1922: Transferred to Western Canada (British Columbia coastal waters), possibly serving in coastal lighter operations.
(aukevisser.nl) - 1963: Rebuilt again at Fort William as part of fleet modernization.
(aukevisser.nl) - 1964: Scrapped at Fort William — ending over six decades of service.
(aukevisser.nl)
Sources & Verification
- “Imperial (I)” — iron/wood barge listed in fleet registries, noting build year, conversion, transfer west, and final dismantling.
(aukevisser.nl) - Great Lakes register & local hull records confirm use as a non-motorized service barge throughout the 20th century.
Research Gaps & Recommended Avenues
| Investigation Area | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Cargo & Operational Use | Seek shipping manifests or Imperial Oil archives to identify carried commodities (e.g., oil, grain, ore). |
| Photographic Records | Locate period images at Fort William/Dry Dock archives to illustrate hull form and conversion state. |
| Structural Plans | Examine Port Arthur shipyard logs to uncover hull design and framing specs. |
| Archaeological Interest | Though scrapped, materials or furnishings may survive in local museums or yard scrap remnants. |
Historical Significance
The Imperial barge exemplifies long-lived wooden bulk carriers adapted to service life changes across decades—from powered barge to lighter and coastal workboat. Her eventual scrapping in Fort William reflects the economic and industrial transitions of the Great Lakes-Canadian shipping landscape over the first half of the 20th century.
imperial-1902 1936-07-20 22:06:00