IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: ALEXANDRA (often referred to as ALEXANDRIA in some sources)

• Vessel Type: Propeller Vessel, Wooden Hull, 2 Decks

• Build Information:

• Year Built: 1902

• Location: Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada

• Builder: Not specified

• Specifications:

• Length: 97 feet (29.6 meters)

• Beam: 24.6 feet (7.5 meters)

• Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 201 tons

• Net Tonnage: 136 tons

• Date of Loss: December 19, 1927

• Place of Loss: Harbor off Government Dock, Little Current, Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Approximately 40 feet from the east end of the Government Dock

• Depth: 30–40 feet (9–12 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ALEXANDRA was a wooden-hulled propeller vessel designed for versatile service as a coastal Steamer. With two decks, it transported both passengers and freight. Its enclosed main Deck accommodated cargo such as livestock and wagons, while passenger facilities included a saloon, dining room, and kitchen. The vessel reflected the utilitarian yet comfortable design of early 20th-century steamers, catering to both commercial and leisure purposes.

HISTORY

The ALEXANDRA began its career in 1902, operating as a coastal Steamer on the Atlantic Ocean. Its routes included Miramichi Bay and adjacent communities such as Newcastle, Loggieville, and Escuminac. During the summer, the vessel was known for hosting holiday and moonlight excursions, featuring live music and dances, making it a beloved fixture in the local maritime culture.

In 1924, the ALEXANDRA was relocated to the Great Lakes to serve routes between Little Current, Killarney, Gore Bay, and Cutler, Ontario. On the Great Lakes, it continued its role as a critical transportation link for passengers and goods, seamlessly integrating into the local economy and community life.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On December 19, 1927, while laid up for the winter, the ALEXANDRA caught fire in the harbor near the Government Dock in Little Current. The fire completely consumed the vessel, leading to its sinking. Its remains, including portions of the Hull and the boiler, now lie approximately 40 feet from the dock in water ranging from 30 to 40 feet deep.

Despite its tragic end, the ALEXANDRA’s story remains a poignant part of Canadian maritime history, symbolizing the transition from coastal to inland service and the risks inherent in maritime operations.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck site. Divers exploring the area should proceed with caution, particularly due to the age and potential fragility of the wreck.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies at a relatively shallow depth, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels. While much of the wooden Hull has deteriorated over time, significant features like the boiler remain identifiable, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century ship construction and operation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships: Detailed vessel information and historical accounts.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database.

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing: Archival information on vessels and shipwrecks.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: In-depth historical records of Great Lakes vessels.

• C-3 Register of Wrecks and Casualties, Inland Waters: Official documentation of inland water shipwrecks.

KEYWORDS

ALEXANDRA, ALEXANDRIA, Propeller Vessel, Little Current, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The ALEXANDRA, a testament to the ingenuity and versatility of early 20th-century Canadian shipbuilding, holds a significant place in maritime history. Its transition from Atlantic coastal service to Great Lakes routes exemplifies the adaptability of vessels of its era. While its fiery demise in Little Current marked the end of its service, the wreck continues to draw interest from divers and historians, preserving its legacy beneath the waters of Georgian Bay.