Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Old Barge
- Type: Barge (likely wooden)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Nearshore, south of the Ellsworth steamer wreck
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
This vessel is presumed to be a wooden flat-bottomed barge, a utilitarian type used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. These barges were integral to industrial supply chains on the Great Lakes, transporting timber, coal, iron ore, gravel, and bulk cargo between ports and transfer facilities. Typically non-motorized, they were towed by steamers or tugboats.
Description
The wreck lies just south of the Ellsworth steamer in accessible, nearshore waters. It appears to be relatively intact and well-positioned for shallow dive inspection. The surrounding area contains minimal current, with good conditions for photography, in-situ mapping, and material sampling. No cargo remnants have been confirmed.
History
While this barge is unidentified, it is consistent in type and placement with support vessels or freight barges commonly operated in proximity to steamers. Such vessels were typically unregistered or minimally documented, particularly if used as lighters, scows, or auxiliary barges for dredging or short-haul freight.
The nearby Ellsworth (a well-documented steamer wreck) may have been associated with this barge either operationally or coincidentally. Further survey work is necessary to determine if the vessels share construction features, operational history, or loss timelines.
Significant Incidents
- This barge represents a lesser-documented but critically important class of vessel from the Great Lakes’ commercial era. Its shallow depth and proximity to a known wreck make it an ideal target for comparative maritime archaeology. Such barges are often overlooked, despite their fundamental role in lake commerce and port operations.
Final Disposition
Though specific finders are not noted, the barge is now documented in diver and regional wreck directories. The Shotline Diving image archive includes a site photo as of 2023.
Current Condition & Accessibility
None officially listed. However, shallow obstructions in this area warrant caution for small craft operators and swimmers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”stoney-island-barge” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Though unidentified, the old barge offers significant interpretive value. It complements the story of steam-era lake transport and provides researchers and divers with accessible, tangible insight into a class of working vessels essential to the Great Lakes economy.
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.
UNIDENTIFIED OLD BARGE (Unknown Date)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Old Barge
- Vessel Type: Barge (likely wooden)
- Final Location: Nearshore, south of the Ellsworth steamer wreck
- Coordinates: Not published
- Depth: Shallow water (estimated <3 m / <10 ft)
- Status: In situ, identity unknown
Vessel Type
This vessel is presumed to be a wooden flat-bottomed barge, a utilitarian type used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. These barges were integral to industrial supply chains on the Great Lakes, transporting timber, coal, iron ore, gravel, and bulk cargo between ports and transfer facilities. Typically non-motorized, they were towed by steamers or tugboats.
Site Description
The wreck lies just south of the Ellsworth steamer in accessible, nearshore waters. It appears to be relatively intact and well-positioned for shallow dive inspection. The surrounding area contains minimal current, with good conditions for photography, in-situ mapping, and material sampling. No cargo remnants have been confirmed.
Historical Context
While this barge is unidentified, it is consistent in type and placement with support vessels or freight barges commonly operated in proximity to steamers. Such vessels were typically unregistered or minimally documented, particularly if used as lighters, scows, or auxiliary barges for dredging or short-haul freight.
The nearby Ellsworth (a well-documented steamer wreck) may have been associated with this barge either operationally or coincidentally. Further survey work is necessary to determine if the vessels share construction features, operational history, or loss timelines.
Significance of the Site
This barge represents a lesser-documented but critically important class of vessel from the Great Lakes’ commercial era. Its shallow depth and proximity to a known wreck make it an ideal target for comparative maritime archaeology. Such barges are often overlooked, despite their fundamental role in lake commerce and port operations.
Located By & Date Found
Though specific finders are not noted, the barge is now documented in diver and regional wreck directories. The Shotline Diving image archive includes a site photo as of 2023.
Notmars & Advisories
None officially listed. However, shallow obstructions in this area warrant caution for small craft operators and swimmers.
Resources & Links
- Shotline Diving Image Archive (2023)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Regional dive club databases and informal wreck maps
Shore Dive Information
- Shore Access Location: Near Ellsworth wreck access point (exact entry varies)
- Entry Type: Beach or shallow water wade
- Depth Range: 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft)
- Current & Conditions: Minimal; sandy bottom; limited wave action
- Points of Interest: Wooden hull remains, fasteners, construction joints
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Safety & Emergency Info:
- Nearest 911 service (U.S. or Canada depending on exact location)
- Nearest hyperbaric chamber: Consult with local dive EMS network
- Coast Guard: VHF Ch. 16 for all emergency reporting
- Local Regulations: No artifact removal; protected under typical provincial/state submerged cultural resource laws
- Best Time to Dive: Late spring to early fall (May–September)
- Driving Directions: Use Ellsworth site access and local signage
- Additional Resources: Dive clubs, local historical societies
Future Exploration & Preservation
Photogrammetric documentation, GPS charting, and timber sampling are recommended to identify build methods or linkages to documented shipyards. Historical port records may yield references to lightering or barge activity associated with the Ellsworth.
Public awareness and interpretive signage near the site (if on public land) would support preservation and historical education.
Conclusion
Though unidentified, the old barge offers significant interpretive value. It complements the story of steam-era lake transport and provides researchers and divers with accessible, tangible insight into a class of working vessels essential to the Great Lakes economy.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Tags: barge, Great Lakes, wooden wreck, Ellsworth, nearshore wreck, support vessel, 19th century
- Categories: Unknown Wrecks, Work Vessels, Shallow Dive Sites
- Glossary: Lighter, Barge, Flat-bottom, Scow, Tow vessel, Unidentified wreck