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

• Name: Ireland
• Type: Barge
• Year Built: 1866
• Location Built: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
• Dimensions:
  • Original Tonnage: 409 tons
  • Later Records: Gross Tonnage: 457; Net Tonnage: 423
• Final Resting Place: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

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.

HISTORY

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.

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.

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.

LOCATED BY & DATE

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.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Ireland. As with any potential wreck site, caution should be exercised when navigating or exploring near Galloo Island.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Contains records and historical accounts related to vessels like the Ireland.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A database of Great Lakes shipwrecks, offering insights into the Ireland and similar vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical data on vessels operating in the region.
• Mills List: Provides registration and ownership details for vessels like the Ireland.

KEYWORDS Ireland barge Galloo Island shipwreck Great Lakes maritime history Lake Ontario wrecks Tug William L. Proctor 19th-century barge transportation

ANALYSIS

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.

c30791-ireland-47 1912-03-14 07:52:00