Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.S. Ireland
- Type: Steam Barge
- Year Built:
- Builder: Not recorded
- Dimensions: Not listed in current records
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near the mouth of the Sydenham River at Snye Carte Channel, Wallaceburg, Ontario
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: John Cooper
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steam Barge
Description
The W.S. Ireland was a wood-hulled steam barge used in cargo operations along the inland waterways of southwestern Ontario. It was owned by John Cooper and had just undergone seasonal outfitting for commercial service, likely intended for timber or grain transport along the Sydenham River and into Lake St. Clair via the Snye Carte Channel.
This region of Ontario is historically significant as part of the lower St. Lawrence-Great Lakes waterway system. The channel served as a crucial route for smaller commercial steamers navigating between the river towns and lake ports.
History
On an unspecified Monday, the vessel caught fire and was destroyed near Wallaceburg. Its total loss was valued at $6,000 CAD, with $3,000 CAD covered by insurance. The fire is believed to have occurred shortly after the vessel was made operational for the season. No casualties were reported, though full crew records are not available.
Significant Incidents
- The vessel caught fire shortly after seasonal outfitting, leading to its total loss.
Final Disposition
Nil – No official discovery or dive documentation found.
The wreck’s remains have not been charted on modern navigation charts.
The shallow nature of the Snye Carte Channel and river mouth suggest the remains may be either buried in sediment or long since salvaged.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil – No official discovery or dive documentation found.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-s-ireland” title=”References & Links”]
The W.S. Ireland remains a significant historical vessel within the context of Ontario’s inland waterways, representing the era of steam-powered cargo transport.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: W.S. Ireland
- Former Names: Nil
- Official Number(s): Unknown
- Date Built & Launched: Unknown
- Builder: Not recorded
- Measurements: Not listed in current records
- Date Lost: Unknown Monday (late 19th–early 20th century estimate)
- Place of Loss: Near the mouth of the Sydenham River at Snye Carte Channel, Wallaceburg, Ontario
Vessel Type
Steam Barge
Description
The W.S. Ireland was a wood-hulled steam barge used in cargo operations along the inland waterways of southwestern Ontario. It was owned by John Cooper and had just undergone seasonal outfitting for commercial service, likely intended for timber or grain transport along the Sydenham River and into Lake St. Clair via the Snye Carte Channel.
This region of Ontario is historically significant as part of the lower St. Lawrence-Great Lakes waterway system. The channel served as a crucial route for smaller commercial steamers navigating between the river towns and lake ports.
Final Disposition
On an unspecified Monday, the vessel caught fire and was destroyed near Wallaceburg. Its total loss was valued at $6,000 CAD, with $3,000 CAD covered by insurance. The fire is believed to have occurred shortly after the vessel was made operational for the season. No casualties were reported, though full crew records are not available.
Located By & Date Found
Nil – No official discovery or dive documentation found.
NOTMARs & Advisories
• The wreck’s remains have not been charted on modern navigation charts.
• The shallow nature of the Snye Carte Channel and river mouth suggest the remains may be either buried in sediment or long since salvaged.
Resources & Links
• Marsh Historical Collection – Soundings Vol. 3 No. 4 (PDF)
• Register of Wrecks and Casualties, Inland Waters – Library and Archives Canada
• Blog resource on the Snye Carte Channel
Keywords, Categories, and Glossary
Keywords: W.S. Ireland, Snye Carte Channel, Wallaceburg Fire, Steam Barge, Inland Waterways, Ship Fire Ontario
Categories: Inland Vessel Fires, Wooden Steam Barges, St. Clair River System Wrecks, Historical Ontario Shipwrecks
Glossary:
- Snye Carte Channel: A historic distributary from the St. Clair River to Lake St. Clair; key to local navigation.
- Steam Barge: A type of vessel used for towing and bulk cargo in protected inland waters during the steam era.