Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Wood Barge
- Type: Barge
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Cataraqui Bridge, Kingston, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Barge
Description
On October 5, 1869, a wooden barge caught fire while moored at the railway drawbridge at Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario. To extinguish the blaze and prevent damage to the bridge structure, the barge was intentionally scuttled—deliberately sunk—in the river channel under the draw span.
History
This incident is recorded in Daily British Whig, October 5, 1869. The barge was likely carrying freight or local commodities at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire remains unspecified.
Significant Incidents
- Date: October 5, 1869
- Location: Cataraqui Bridge (railway drawbridge), Kingston, Ontario
- Vessel: Wood-deck barge—likely carrying freight or local commodities
- Cause: Onboard fire (origin unspecified) while at dock
- Action: Barge scuttled by sinking it beneath the bridge to extinguish the fire and prevent spread to shore or bridge
- Casualties: None reported
- Outcome: Emergency response; no mention of salvage or damage to bridge
Final Disposition
The scuttling of the barge was a recognized method to combat fire in enclosed floating vessels, particularly at bridge docks. The incident did not result in reported casualties, and there was no mention of salvage operations or damage to the bridge.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it remains unidentified and unexamined. The scuttled barge may pose navigation hazards in the area.
Resources & Links
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This event exemplifies mid-19th-century maritime fire response methods in small inland harbour settings. Further archival work—particularly local newspaper and harbour records—could identify the barge and enhance the historical understanding of Kingston’s maritime safety practices.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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