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
- No recorded casualties.
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
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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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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