IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: ELEANOR (also known as ELEANORA)
• Type: Wooden Steam Tugboat
• Location: Off Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates are not widely documented.
• Depth: Approximately 100 feet (30 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ELEANOR was a wooden steam Tugboat constructed in 1866 at Bedford Mills, Ontario, by W. Guthrie. The vessel was designed for towing and assistance operations, typical of steam tugs in the Lake Ontario region.

Specifications:

• Length: 47 feet (14.3 meters)
• Beam: 10.3 feet (3.1 meters)
• Depth: 6.8 feet (2.1 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 22 tons
• Net Tonnage: 7 tons
• Engine Room: 19.4 feet (5.9 meters) in length, weighing 12 tons

The ELEANOR was a carvel-built vessel with a rounded Stern and a single Deck. Steam-powered tugs like the ELEANOR were vital to regional maritime operations, including towing, assisting in docking, and navigating challenging waterways.

HISTORY

The ELEANOR was commissioned by John Chaffey and operated out of Kingston, Ontario, contributing significantly to local transportation and maritime activities.

Ownership Timeline:

• Original Owner: John Chaffey
• August 2, 1879: Sold to J. Francis Swift of Kingston
• August 2, 1887: Purchased by Charles Gildersleeve of Kingston

The vessel underwent remeasurement in June 1877, increasing its Gross Tonnage to 25 tons while maintaining a net register tonnage of 7 tons.

Final Incident:

On May 14, 1891, the ELEANOR sank while towing two coal barges near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario, after it sprung a leak. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it quickly sank to a depth of 100 feet. The crew escaped unharmed, but the Tug, valued at $2,000, was uninsured.

The ELEANOR’s registration was officially closed on December 31, 1891, marking the end of its service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck lies off Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario at a depth of approximately 100 feet (30 meters). While its exact location is not widely documented, the site is known among local divers and historians.

Due to the wooden construction and the time elapsed since its sinking, the wreck is expected to be in a deteriorated state. However, it remains a historically significant artifact, illustrating the challenges and risks faced by steam tugs in the 19th century.

NOTMARs & DIVING ADVISORIES

• Skill Level: Experienced divers recommended
• Hazards: Strong currents and potential for limited Visibility
• Safety Measures: Use of dive flags, surface markers, and adherence to local regulations are essential due to boat traffic in the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• National Archives of Canada
• Wrecksite.eu
• Kingston Historical Society

The sinking of the ELEANOR highlights the perils of steam-powered maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Though small in size, the vessel played a vital role in Kingston’s maritime history, and its wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated these waters.