Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ranger
- Type: Sidewheel steambarge
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: A. Cantin, Montreal, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 160 tons (1853); 348 tons (1860); 379 tons (1866)
- Location: ~11 km (7 mi) west of Port Stanley, Ontario
- Coordinates: Not recorded
- Official Number: Not recorded
- Original Owners: Perry, Black & Co. (as of 1863)
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Ranger was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steambarge constructed for freight transport in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system. Featuring a shallow draught, she could navigate canals and open lakes. Her structure included a steam boiler and midship paddlewheels with a single-deck layout for bulk cargo.
Description
Ranger was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steambarge constructed for freight transport in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system. Featuring a shallow draught, she could navigate canals and open lakes. Her structure included a steam boiler and midship paddlewheels with a single-deck layout for bulk cargo.
History
Launched in 1853 for H. & S. Jones of Montreal, the Ranger initially registered at 160 tons. She encountered mechanical issues early in her career, including rudder loss on Lake Ontario (1858) and canal damage (1857). After several rebuilds and remeasurements—culminating in a rating of 379 tons by 1866—she was repurposed for bulk corn and grain cargo under Perry, Black & Co.
Significant Incidents
- 1857: Canal damage reported.
- 1858: Rudder loss on Lake Ontario.
- 1866: Sprang a leak during a gale, leading to beaching.
Final Disposition
On 8 August 1866, while loaded with corn on Lake Erie, Ranger sprang a leak during a gale. Captain Gaskin made the decision to beach the vessel approximately 11 km west of Port Stanley to save the crew. Though everyone reached shore safely, inspection later revealed the hull was unsalvageable. The vessel was declared a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No underwater survey or site documentation exists. The vessel’s last position is known only through historical accounts. The vessel is assumed to have disintegrated naturally over time.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ranger-1853″ title=”References & Links”]
All crew survived the incident, and no individual names or grave records have been found. Further research may be conducted through regional archives in Port Stanley and Tyrconnell.
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 Card (Site Style)
Description
Ranger was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steambarge constructed for freight transport in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system. Featuring a shallow draught, she could navigate canals and open lakes. Her structure included a steam boiler and midship paddlewheels with a single-deck layout for bulk cargo.History
Launched in 1853 for H. & S. Jones of Montreal, the Ranger initially registered at 160 tons. She encountered mechanical issues early in her career, including rudder loss on Lake Ontario (1858) and canal damage (1857). After several rebuilds and remeasurements—culminating in a rating of 379 tons by 1866—she was repurposed for bulk corn and grain cargo under Perry, Black & Co.Final Dispositions
On 8 August 1866, while loaded with corn on Lake Erie, Ranger sprang a leak during a gale. Captain Gaskin made the decision to beach the vessel approximately 11 km west of Port Stanley to save the crew. Though everyone reached shore safely, inspection later revealed the hull was unsalvageable. The vessel was declared a total loss.Located By & Date Found
No underwater survey or site documentation exists. The vessel’s last position is known only through historical accounts.Notmars & Advisories
None noted. No active or modern advisories for the site.Dive Information
Access: Not applicable (beached) Entry Point: Shoreline west of Port Stanley Conditions: No wreck remains confirmed Depth Range: Not submerged Emergency Contacts: Port Stanley Rescue Services Permits: Not required Dive Support: Not applicableCrew & Casualty Memorials
All crew survived. No individual names or grave records found. Further research may be conducted through regional archives in Port Stanley and Tyrconnell.Documented Statements & Extracts
“…sprang a leak in a southerly gale… was beached deliberately to save the crew. She was a total loss.” — Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – greatlakesrex.wordpress.com
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Ranger’s increasing tonnage (160 → 348 → 379 tons) suggests major structural or administrative changes over 13 years. Registered in Montreal; last listed under Perry, Black & Co. No insurance records yet located.Site Documentation & Imaging
No NOAA or Canadian archaeological documentation known. The vessel is assumed to have disintegrated naturally over time.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – Ranger
- Flybridge Forums – Canadian wreck threads
- U.S. Government Printing Office (archival shipping reports)
- Milwaukee Public Library – Great Lakes Archives
References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- Flybridge Steamboat Forum
- GPO Historic Marine Reports
- Milwaukee Public Library Digital Archives