IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Type of Wreck: Wooden Propeller Ship
• Location: Timber Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N43° 58.331’ W76° 46.342’
• Depth: 90 feet (29 meters)
• Dimensions: Length: 129 feet (39.3 meters) Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters) Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
• Site Status: Wreck remains submerged after being destroyed by fire on October 13, 1872.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHINA was a wooden propeller-driven freight ship, constructed in 1872 by William Power & Co. in Kingston, Ontario. With a Gross Tonnage of approximately 355 tons, the CHINA was built for bulk freight transportation, playing a crucial role in Lake Ontario’s maritime trade. Its primary cargo included materials like Pig Iron and assorted merchandise, reflecting the industrial and economic growth of the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century.

HISTORY

Early Operations

• Launched: 1872
• Owner: John Proctor, Hamilton, Ontario
• Service Role: Bulk freight transport for the Western Express Line, often carrying heavy cargo between ports on Lake Ontario.

Incident and Fire

Date of Incident: October 13, 1872

While navigating near Kingston, Ontario, the CHINA caught fire, which rapidly consumed the wooden structure of the vessel.

Rescue Efforts:

Passengers and crew were evacuated by the nearby Steamer AMERICA and transferred to the CITY OF LONDON, preventing any loss of life. Despite these efforts, the ship was declared a Total Loss.

Cargo:

The CHINA was carrying 300 tons of Pig Iron and various merchandise.

Financial Loss: Estimated at $34,000, a significant sum at the time.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHINA was completely destroyed and sank near Timber Island, Lake Ontario. The wreck lies in 90 feet of water, a testament to the risks of early maritime transportation.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition:

The wreck remains submerged and features various structural elements, including the propeller, steering mechanism, and Steeple Engine, as documented by divers over the years.

Accessibility:

At 90 feet, the CHINA is accessible to experienced divers, offering a glimpse into the ship’s design and the remains of its cargo, such as Pig Iron.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The CHINA underscores the challenges and risks faced by wooden ships during the 19th century, particularly the dangers of onboard fires. Its brief service before destruction reflects the volatility of maritime operations during this era, and its wreck contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and historical data on shipwrecks.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of shipwrecks.
• Great Lakes Ships: Historical records and technical details of vessels.

KEYWORDS

#CHINA, #Wooden Propeller Ship, #Lake Ontario Shipwreck, #Timber Island, #1872 Shipwreck, #Fire at Sea, #Pig Iron Cargo, #Maritime History

ANALYSIS

The CHINA highlights the rapid industrial expansion and economic importance of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. The ship’s tragic destruction underscores the vulnerability of wooden vessels to fire, a common hazard of the era. The successful rescue of passengers and crew reflects the effectiveness of community and nearby vessel support in mitigating maritime disasters.

Today, the wreck serves as an educational and exploratory opportunity for divers and historians, offering insights into 19th-century shipbuilding, trade, and the inherent challenges of maritime navigation.

2001 Footage – Tom Rutledge on Camera