Location:	Kingston, Lemoine Point	Official Name:	Munson
GPS:	N44.12.5690 W76.36.4960	Material:	Wood
Access:	Boat	Propulsion:	WInd
Level:	Advanced	Type:	Barge
Depth:	95'-110'	Built:	-
Bottom:	Silt	Sunked:	1890
Current:	Low	Cargo:	-
Hazards:	Depth, cold water	Dimensions:	250'x36'
Traffic:	Low	Position:	Upright

MUNSON

On April 30, 1890, the barge Munson, based at Belleville, had just completed in Kingston its job of launching the Minnedosa. When leaving for Belleville, towed by the Emma Munson, the barge started to leak and quickly sank in Lake Ontario. There was no casualty, although the cook who had not been told of the shipwreck, finally got out when the boat was already 30 feet under water. She was valued at approximately $15,000, with the case of the sinking attributed to a plank having sprung on the bottom of the dredge. She apparently sank within 4 minutes of her listing first being noted. Many of the artifacts have been donated to the Hastings County Museum in Belleville, Ontario, creating the beginning of their Marine heritage section. The Munson was found in 1980, the identification plate was stolen in 1999.

The Munson is a two-level wooden barge with three pillars that measure up to 60 feet. Its shovel at one end is one of the nice attrations of this wreck. After a bit longer than a century under water, it is still in pretty good shape. This site is well known for the many objects around on the ground. Tools, cuttlery, a stove, tiles, a utensils collection, an electric generator and a work bench are mong these.

Because of the depth of the wreck, it is important to evaluate your bottom time before diving. The dive is below the thermocline, so it is very cold on the Munson. We recommend having a lamp.