Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Coal Barge #1
- Type: Non-self-propelled steel barge
- Year Built: ca. 1900 – 1920 (estimated)
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Approx. 150 ft × 30 ft (46 × 9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Depth at Wreck Site: 65 m / 214 ft
- Location: Offshore Lake Ontario (U.S. sector)
- Coordinates: 43° 19.6745′ N, 77° 30.5839′ W
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Non-self-propelled steel barge designed for transporting bulk cargo, primarily coal.
Description
The Unidentified Coal Barge #1 is a steel-hulled, box-form vessel resting upright on a silty bottom. The hull features intact coamings and open hatchways, with some coal residue visible inside. The absence of propulsion or steering gear confirms its configuration as a towed barge. ROV imagery indicates well-preserved plating and frames, along with scattered deck debris.
History
Steel barges of this design became prevalent on the Great Lakes around the turn of the 20th century, as steel shipbuilding replaced wooden hulls. These barges were typically towed in trains behind powered tugs or lake freighters, carrying bulk materials such as coal, ore, or limestone. The specific origin of this barge remains unknown, but its proximity to other coal carriers suggests it was likely used for industrial transport along the southern Lake Ontario corridor.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition
The barge lies intact, showing no signs of catastrophic failure. The absence of collision or fire damage suggests it may have been accidentally released, swamped, or deliberately abandoned. No registry or markings have been identified to date.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is in a well-preserved state, lying upright at a depth of 214 ft (65 m). It is accessible only via technical diving or ROV operations due to its depth and cold water conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unidentified-coal-barge-1″ title=”References & Links”]
Unidentified Coal Barge #1 presents a unique opportunity for technical divers and researchers interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its intact structure and historical significance make it a noteworthy site for exploration and documentation.
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.
Aaron Newman – www.deepworld.org
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Name: Unidentified Coal Barge #1
Other Names: None
Official Number: None
Registry: United States (Lake Ontario)
Vessel Type: Non-self-propelled steel barge
Builder: Unknown
Year Built: ca. 1900 – 1920 (estimated)
Dimensions: Approx. 150 ft × 30 ft (46 × 9 m)
Tonnage: Unknown
Cargo on Final Voyage: Coal
Date of Loss: Unknown
Location: Offshore Lake Ontario (U.S. sector)
Coordinates: 43° 19.6745′ N, 77° 30.5839′ W
Depth: 214 ft (65 m)
Home Port: Unknown
Owners: Unknown
Crew: None (towed barge)
Casualties: None recorded
Description
Steel-hulled, box-form coal barge resting upright on a silty bottom. The hull shows intact coamings and open hatchways with some coal residue visible inside. No propulsion or steering gear present, confirming a towed configuration. The ROV imagery indicates well-preserved plating and frames with scattered deck debris.
History
Steel barges of this design became common on the Great Lakes around the turn of the 20th century as steel shipbuilding replaced wooden hulls. Barges were routinely towed in trains behind powered tugs or lake freighters, carrying bulk coal, ore, or limestone. The specific origin of this barge remains unknown, though its proximity to other coal carriers suggests service in industrial transport along the southern Lake Ontario corridor.
Final Dispositions
The barge lies intact, with no signs of catastrophic failure. The lack of collision or fire damage indicates either accidental release, swamping, or deliberate abandonment. No registry or markings are yet identified.
Located By & Date Found
Located summer 2025 by the
Exploring Our Deep World team using side-scan sonar; surveyed via ROV for documentation (
Video 1,
Video 2,
Video 3,
Video 4).
Notmars & Advisories
No navigation hazard; depth beyond standard recreational limits. Technical dive or ROV only.
Dive Information
Access: Offshore by charter
Entry Point: Rochester / Sodus Bay region
Conditions: Cold (~4 °C), clear deep-water visibility
Depth Range: 210 – 214 ft (64 – 65 m)
Permits: Required for research
Dive Support: Technical CCR/Trimix operations
Site Documentation & Imaging
High-definition ROV imagery published via YouTube and Deep World channels. 3D modeling pending.
Resources & Links
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Wreck Name: Unidentified Coal Barge #1
Coordinates: 43° 19.6745′ N, 77° 30.5839′ W
Depth: 214 ft (65 m)
Vessel Type: Steel barge
Material: Steel
Condition: Intact upright hull
Cause of Loss: Unknown
Discovery Date: 2025
Discovered By: Exploring Our Deep World
Method: Side-scan sonar / ROV
Permits Required: Yes (for research)
Steel-hulled, box-form coal barge resting upright on a silty bottom. The hull shows intact coamings and open hatchways with some coal residue visible inside. No propulsion or steering gear present, confirming a towed configuration. The ROV imagery indicates well-preserved plating and frames with scattered deck debris.
unidentified-coal-barge-1
2025-08-19 02:01:00
