Coal Barge (probable A.R. Noyes)
Canal Boat · United States · Lost 1884 · Lake Champlain
A coal-laden canal boat, likely the A.R. Noyes, that broke free from her tow during an 1884 mishap and sank off Shelburne Point.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
On October 17, 1884, a train of canal boats under tow by the steam tug Tisdale broke loose on Lake Champlain; the canal boat A.R. Noyes was the only vessel reported lost. A wreck matching her description and cargo of coal now lies north of Proctor Shoal in 60 to 80 feet of water and is generally identified with her, though the match has not been proven with certainty. It was one of the first three sites opened to the public in 1985 when Vermont established its Underwater Historic Preserve system.
Vessel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Wood
- 90 ft
- 14 ft
- Not established
- None, towed
- Not established
Loss
- October 17, 1884
- Mechanical failure
- North of Proctor Shoal, off Shelburne Point, Lake Champlain
- Lake Champlain
- Burlington, Vermont
- Coal
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 60-80
- Rudder and rudder post visible on the stern, facing up-slope; remnants of a mule towing apparatus crushed by shifting coal cargo; wreck rests on a silty slope and is considered fragile.
- Not established
- Not established
- Vermont Underwater Historic Preserve (Lake Champlain), one of the original three preserve sites established in 1985
Position
- 44.45° N 73.25° W
- Approximate position
- Shelburne Point, Lake Champlain
Derived from a published dive-site coordinate of 44 27.2' N, 73 14.7' W near Proctor Shoal.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (60/100)
The wreck is presumed but not definitively confirmed to be the canal boat A.R. Noyes.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Loss narrative, probable identification, dimensions, dive information.
UnderwaterUSA.com dive site chart
Approximate coordinates and depth.
