Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John Randall
- Type: Steam Barge
- Year Built: 1905
- Builder: Kingston, Ontario
- Dimensions: 104 ft (31.7 m); Beam: 23 ft (7 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage: 194 tons
- Location: Near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: C 117121
- Original Owners: J. Randall, H.F. Randall
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John Randall was a steam barge built in 1905 in Kingston, Ontario. The vessel was powered by a screw propeller, a common propulsion method for steam-powered vessels of the time. With a gross tonnage of 194 tons, the John Randall was primarily used for transporting coal, particularly for railway purposes. The barge was a robust workhorse on the Great Lakes, serving the transportation needs of the region.
Description
The John Randall had a relatively short but active service life on Lake Ontario. Built in 1905, the vessel was initially owned by J. Randall of Seeleys Bay, Ontario. By 1917, ownership had transferred to H.F. Randall, also of Seeleys Bay. The John Randall was primarily engaged in transporting coal to Smiths Falls, a key railway hub in Ontario.
In 1907, the vessel underwent a significant rebuild, which slightly modified its dimensions but maintained its overall structure and purpose. The steam barge continued to serve as a critical link in the coal supply chain for the region’s railways.
History
The John Randall met its end on November 16, 1920, when it wrecked near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The circumstances leading to the wreck are not fully detailed, but like many vessels in the area, it likely faced challenging weather conditions, navigational hazards, or other factors common to the treacherous waters near Main Duck Island.
Significant Incidents
- The John Randall was wrecked on November 16, 1920, near Main Duck Island.
Final Disposition
The John Randall was wrecked near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario, on November 16, 1920. The wreck was left at the site, marking the end of the steam barge’s service on the Great Lakes. The site remains a point of interest for maritime historians and divers exploring the shipwrecks of Lake Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John Randall was documented following its sinking in 1920. It remains submerged near Main Duck Island.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-randall-c-117121″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As a diver, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it.
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