Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sarnia Doc
- Type: Wooden or composite barge or scow
- Year Built: 1929
- Builder: Likely Sarnia, Ontario (exact yard unconfirmed)
- Dimensions: Approximate length 115-148 ft (35-45 m); Beam 26-30 ft (8-9 m); Depth of hold unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Estimated 400-600 tons
- Location: Near Lake Huron shoreline
- Coordinates: Not charted
- Original Owners: Undocumented (local freight operator, likely Ontario registry)
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Sarnia Doc was likely a Great Lakes wheat and barley carrier, possibly a scow or barge-type hull, typical of the bulk grain trades in southwestern Ontario in the 1920s. Such vessels were designed to operate under tow or as lighters, moving grain cargo from harbours to larger elevators and terminals.
Description
Launched in 1929, the Sarnia Doc immediately entered the Canadian grain trade, carrying seasonal cargos of wheat and barley between Lake Huron ports and Ontario grain terminals.
History
On 30 November 1929, a severe northwest gale struck Lake Huron, driving the Sarnia Doc ashore with heavy damage. The crew faced immense danger in the pounding surf. Despite extreme conditions, local rescuers managed to bring them off the wreck with considerable difficulty. No loss of life was reported.
The vessel was declared a total loss after stranding, with no salvage attempts recorded, and was likely broken up or dismantled in place.
Significant Incidents
- 30 November 1929: Stranded during a severe northwest gale on Lake Huron.
Final Disposition
Declared a constructive total loss, the Sarnia Doc was left where she stranded and was presumably salvaged piecemeal for lumber or scrap metal.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There is no known modern archaeological or diver survey of her remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sarnia-doc-1929″ title=”References & Links”]
The Sarnia Doc is representative of many grain carriers that faced the perils of late-season shipping on the Great Lakes. Lost to a November gale in 1929, she demonstrates how harsh weather and limited weather forecasting of the era posed grave risks to smaller freight vessels.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name(s): Sarnia Doc
- Year Built: 1929
- Builder: Likely Sarnia, Ontario (exact yard unconfirmed)
- Vessel Type: Wooden or composite barge or scow (not fully verified in primary records)
- Gross Tonnage: Estimated 400–600 tons
- Dimensions: Approximate length 35–45 m (115–148 feet); beam 8–9 m (26–30 feet)
- Owner: Undocumented (local freight operator, likely Ontario registry)
- Final Resting Place: Location unconfirmed; believed near Lake Huron shoreline
- Coordinates: Not charted
- Date Lost: 30 November 1929
- Depth: Shallow, presumed onshore
Vessel Type Description
The Sarnia Doc was likely a Great Lakes wheat and barley carrier, possibly a scow or barge-type hull, typical of the bulk grain trades in southwestern Ontario in the 1920s. Such vessels were designed to operate under tow or as lighters, moving grain cargo from harbours to larger elevators and terminals.
History
Launched in 1929, the Sarnia Doc immediately entered the Canadian grain trade, carrying seasonal cargos of wheat and barley between Lake Huron ports and Ontario grain terminals.
On 30 November 1929, a severe northwest gale struck Lake Huron, driving the Sarnia Doc ashore with heavy damage. The crew faced immense danger in the pounding surf. Despite extreme conditions, local rescuers managed to bring them off the wreck with considerable difficulty. No loss of life was reported.
The vessel was declared a total loss after stranding, with no salvage attempts recorded, and was likely broken up or dismantled in place.
Final Dispositions
Declared a constructive total loss, the Sarnia Doc was left where she stranded and was presumably salvaged piecemeal for lumber or scrap metal.
Located By & Date Found
There is no known modern archaeological or diver survey of her remains.
Notmars & Advisories
No active Notmar warnings apply to the presumed site.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Archive – BGSU
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion
The Sarnia Doc is representative of many grain carriers that faced the perils of late-season shipping on the Great Lakes. Lost to a November gale in 1929, she demonstrates how harsh weather and limited weather forecasting of the era posed grave risks to smaller freight vessels.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Sarnia Doc, Lake Huron, 1929 storm, grain barge, wheat cargo, barley cargo
- Categories: Great Lakes grain carriers, stranded wrecks, storm losses, 1920s shipping
- Glossary Terms: stranded, constructive total loss, gale, lighter