Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Coal Barge #2
- Type: Non-self-propelled steel barge
- Year Built: ca. 1900 – 1920 (estimated)
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approx. 150 ft × 30 ft (46 × 9 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 53 m / 173 ft
- Location: Offshore Lake Ontario (U.S. sector)
- Coordinates: 43° 18.704′ N, 77° 26.0551′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Non-self-propelled steel barge.
Description
A second steel coal barge located approximately four miles east of the first. Identical in construction and dimension, the hull rests upright and intact with open hatches and partial deck collapse near midships. ROV examination shows similar plating and framing patterns, indicating both barges likely originated from the same builder or fleet.
History
These barges represent the industrial cargo traffic of the early steel era on Lake Ontario. Operating in tandem with steam tugs, they transported coal and ore along routes between Rochester, Oswego, and Toronto. The two wrecks’ proximity and identical design suggest a shared towline loss or storm event, though no record yet matches their positions.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition
Hull intact, lightly buried in silt. No machinery or crew spaces. Possible tow break and foundering in heavy weather.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Located in summer 2025 by the Exploring Our Deep World team using side-scan sonar and ROV inspection. ROV video series and survey still frames published on YouTube. Photogrammetry pending future mission.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unidentified-coal-barge-2″ title=”References & Links”]
No known hazards; deep technical depth beyond recreational limit. ROV recommended for exploration. Access requires an offshore charter, and conditions are cold and clear in a deep basin.
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: Unidentified Coal Barge #2
Other Names: None
Registry: United States (Lake Ontario)
Vessel Type: Non-self-propelled steel barge
Year Built: ca. 1900 – 1920 (estimated)
Dimensions: Approx. 150 ft × 30 ft (46 × 9 m)
Cargo: Coal (residual evidence visible)
Date of Loss: Unknown
Location: Offshore Lake Ontario (U.S. sector)
Coordinates: 43° 18.704′ N, 77° 26.0551′ W
Depth: 173 ft (53 m)
Casualties: None recorded
Description
A second steel coal barge located approximately four miles east of the first. Identical in construction and dimension, the hull rests upright and intact with open hatches and partial deck collapse near midships. ROV examination shows similar plating and framing patterns, indicating both barges likely originated from the same builder or fleet.
History
These barges represent the industrial cargo traffic of the early steel era on Lake Ontario. Operating in tandem with steam tugs, they transported coal and ore along routes between Rochester, Oswego, and Toronto. The two wrecks’ proximity and identical design suggest a shared towline loss or storm event, though no record yet matches their positions.
Final Dispositions
Hull intact, lightly buried in silt. No machinery or crew spaces. Possible tow break and foundering in heavy weather.
Located By & Date Found
Located in summer 2025 by the
Exploring Our Deep World team using side-scan sonar and ROV inspection (
Video 1,
Video 2).
Notmars & Advisories
No known hazards; deep technical depth beyond recreational limit. ROV recommended.
Dive Information
Access: Offshore charter required
Conditions: Cold (3–5 °C), clear, calm deep basin
Depth Range: 170–175 ft (52–53 m)
Permits: Research required
Dive Support: Trimix / CCR operations
Site Documentation & Imaging
ROV video series and survey still frames published on YouTube by Exploring Our Deep World. Photogrammetry pending future mission.
Resources & Links
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Wreck Name: Unidentified Coal Barge #2
Coordinates: 43° 18.704′ N, 77° 26.0551′ W
Depth: 173 ft (53 m)
Material: Steel
Condition: Upright / intact
Cause of Loss: Unknown (possible tow break)
Discovery Date: 2025
Discovered By: Exploring Our Deep World
Method: Side-scan sonar / ROV
Permits Required: Yes (for survey work)
A second steel coal barge located approximately four miles east of the first. Identical in construction and dimension, the hull rests upright and intact with open hatches and partial deck collapse near midships. ROV examination shows similar plating and framing patterns, indicating both barges likely originated from the same builder or fleet.
unidentified-coal-barge-2
2025-08-19 02:13:00
