• Vessel Name: DENMARK
  • Type: Schooner Barge
  • Location: Garden Island, Lake Ontario
  • GPS Coordinates: 44°12.018’N, 76°27.471’W
  • Depth: 15 feet (4.6 meters)
  • Dimensions: Length: 136.9 feet (41.7 meters), Beam: 25.6 feet (7.8 meters), Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
  • Tonnage: 352 Gross Tons, 305 Net Tons.

SITE DESCRIPTION

The wreck of the Schooner Barge DENMARK lies in shallow water near Garden Island in Lake Ontario. Resting at a depth of just 15 feet, the wreck is highly accessible and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. The site is suitable for snorkelers and divers of all experience levels, providing an opportunity to explore a well-preserved vessel that played a significant role in the timber trade of the 19th century.

HISTORY

The DENMARK was built in 1866 by Dexter D. Calvin & Breck at Garden Island, Ontario, and was rated A1, a testament to its solid construction and seaworthiness. The Schooner Barge was primarily used for transporting timber, a critical commodity in the Great Lakes region during this period. The vessel had a storied history, encountering several incidents throughout its operational life.

In 1871, the DENMARK ran aground at Eau Point while carrying a cargo of timber. The situation was precarious, but the vessel had not sustained any damage at the time. Assistance arrived in the form of the Revenue Steamer GENERAL SHERMAN, which successfully freed the Schooner from its predicament.

In 1874, the DENMARK faced another challenge when it was dismasted during a storm on Lake Huron. Despite the significant damage, the vessel managed to stay afloat, though the incident resulted in a $500 property loss.

Over the years, ownership of the DENMARK changed hands multiple times. Initially owned by Calvin and Breck, the vessel was later owned by John Fraser of Kingston, Ontario, and E.A. Booth of Garden Island, Ontario, before returning to Calvin and Breck in 1879.

By 1886, the DENMARK was officially registered under the Canadian number 72579 and had a tonnage of 305 tons. Its home port was Kingston, Ontario, where it continued to serve in the timber trade. The vessel experienced several more incidents, including a stranding on Simmon’s Reef in Lake Huron in 1887 and being towed by the steam Barge D.D. CALVIN from Cheboygan to Garden Island in 1890.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The DENMARK’s final resting place is near Garden Island, where it lies at a depth of 15 feet. The shallow waters have helped preserve the vessel’s wooden structure, making it an excellent site for exploration by divers and historians alike.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the DENMARK, but divers should exercise caution when exploring shallow wrecks, as there may be sharp objects or structural instability due to the vessel’s age.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the DENMARK has been known to local divers and maritime historians for many years, given its accessible location near Garden Island, a hub of shipbuilding and maritime activity in the 19th century.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The DENMARK is relatively well-preserved, with much of its wooden Hull and structural elements still intact. The wreck is easily accessible due to its shallow depth, making it an ideal site for educational dives, underwater photography, and historical research. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore a piece of 19th-century maritime history up close.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes – DENMARK: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
  2. Wrecksite Database – DENMARK: Wrecksite Database
  3. Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
  4. The Archaeology of Watercraft Abandonment: Watercraft Abandonment

KEYWORDS

ANALYSIS The DENMARK represents an important piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime history, particularly in the context of the timber trade that was crucial to the region’s economy in the 19th century. The vessel’s numerous incidents and eventual resting place near Garden Island highlight the challenges faced by sailors and the resilience of the ships that plied these waters. The wreck, now a protected underwater site, offers divers and historians a valuable opportunity to connect with the past and gain insights into the construction, operation, and ultimate fate of Schooner barges like the DENMARK