Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ireland
- Type: Barge
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 457; Net Tonnage: 423
- Location: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: C 30791
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ireland was a flat-bottomed barge, a critical vessel type in the Great Lakes maritime trade of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed for transporting bulk goods such as coal, lumber, or grain, barges like the Ireland were typically towed by tugboats. Their flat-bottom design allowed them to navigate shallow waters, making them indispensable for accessing ports along Lake Ontario and beyond.
Description
The Ireland was constructed in 1866 in Brockville, Ontario, and registered as a barge in 1863 (according to the Mills List), with Kingston, Ontario, listed as its port of registry. Over its decades of service, the vessel became a familiar sight on Lake Ontario, contributing to the region’s bustling shipping industry. It carried various bulk cargoes, serving as a vital link in the maritime supply chain that powered the economic growth of the Great Lakes region.
History
Tragically, the Ireland met its end in 1912. While being towed by the tug William L. Proctor near Galloo Island, the barge foundered under unclear circumstances. The incident claimed the lives of four crew members, leaving only the captain and his son as survivors. They were rescued by the steamer Nicaragua, commanded by Captain Alex McDonald. Despite their survival, the loss was devastating, underscoring the risks associated with maritime trade, even in routine operations.
Significant Incidents
- The Ireland sank during a towing operation in 1912 near Galloo Island.
- Four crew members lost their lives; only the captain and his son survived.
Final Disposition
The Ireland sank during a towing operation in 1912 near Galloo Island. The wreck and the lives lost in the incident highlight the unpredictable dangers faced by vessels and their crews on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no specific modern records of the wreck’s discovery or detailed exploration. The wreck’s location near Galloo Island is noted historically but remains undocumented in terms of precise identification or condition.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ireland-c-30791″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Ireland exemplifies the indispensable role barges played in the Great Lakes’ maritime commerce. Its construction in 1866 and service as a bulk carrier highlight the economic significance of such vessels during the industrial boom. The barge’s tragic end in 1912 near Galloo Island serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation. The wreck, though not extensively documented or located, remains a significant chapter in the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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