Rose Bay Barges – St. Lawrence River Barge Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Rose Bay Barges
• Type: Barges and Timber Dock
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
• Location: Rose Bay, St. Lawrence River, near Beadles Point and Palmer’s Court
• Coordinates: [Specific coordinates not provided]
• Original Owners: Stewart Sill

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Types:

• Barges (2)
• Timber Dock

Description

Construction and Use

The two barges in Rose Bay were part of the fleet owned by Stewart Sill of Sodus, New York. These barges played a significant role in regional construction, including the 1000 Island Bridge and the modification of Boldt Castle’s island into its iconic heart shape.

The timber dock, alongside the barges, served as an essential hub for loading and unloading materials such as fill, construction supplies, and agricultural goods, supporting the local economy.

History

Winterization and Abandonment

To protect the barges from ice damage during the winter, they were deliberately sunk—common practice at the time. When Stewart Sill lost the contract for transporting cement for buoy construction, the barges were abandoned in Rose Bay. This marked the end of Sill’s business operations, and the barges were never recovered.

The site also features submerged circular cribs, remnants of the hay trade infrastructure from the late 1920s and early 1930s, further emphasizing the area’s historical significance.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

• Deliberate sinking of the barges for winter protection.
• Abandonment following the loss of a transportation contract.

Final Disposition

The barges and timber dock remain submerged in Rose Bay, serving as historical artifacts of the region’s industrial past.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Wreck Condition

• Barges: The barges’ wooden structures are weathered but still offer a unique opportunity to explore their historical significance.
• Timber Dock: Though partially deteriorated, the dock provides insights into early 20th-century transportation and trade practices.
• Submerged Cribs: Visible remnants constructed from logs and stone, used in the hay trade.

Diving Access

Rose Bay is easily accessible by boat. The shallow depth (10 feet) makes it ideal for divers of all levels, snorkelers, and kayakers interested in underwater history. Visibility varies depending on the conditions of the St. Lawrence River, with calm days offering the best experience.

Resources & Links

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The Rose Bay barges, timber dock, and cribs offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. As part of the industrial and agricultural heritage of the St. Lawrence River, these structures are a reminder of the region’s role in shaping the Thousand Islands’ iconic landscape. Whether for historical interest or diving exploration, Rose Bay remains a site rich with stories waiting to be discovered.