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