IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: J.K. Ward
• Year of Incident: 1892
• Location: Rideau Canal, near Rideau Queen Rock, Ontario, Canada
• Type: Tugboat
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Dimensions: Length: 49 feet Beam: 15 feet Height: 58 feet (likely a clerical error for a vessel of this type)
• Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 23 tons Net Tonnage: 19 tons
• Final Location: Submerged near Rideau Queen Rock, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The J.K. Ward was a small, wooden Tugboat designed to support the navigation of larger vessels and tow barges through the narrow and challenging waters of Ontario’s Rideau Canal. Tugboats like the J.K. Ward were indispensable during the late 19th century, performing tasks that were vital to the region’s shipping and commerce.

HISTORY

The J.K. Ward was a utilitarian vessel, reflecting the workhorse design of tugboats of its time. Built with a modest size—49 feet long and 15 feet wide—it was ideally suited for the confined and often challenging navigation required in the Rideau Canal. The J.K. Ward played a key role in assisting with the movement of goods and larger ships, contributing to the economic activity along Ontario’s waterways.

On November 1, 1892, while performing its duties on the Rideau Canal, the J.K. Ward tragically caught fire. The fire, which likely started due to a mechanical or operational issue, spread quickly and consumed the vessel down to the waterline. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the Tugboat was deemed a Total Loss and sank near Rideau Queen Rock.

The incident was well-documented in local newspapers of the time, such as the Smith Falls Rideau Record (November 17, 1892) and the Ottawa Citizen (November 11, 1892), which detailed the burning and subsequent loss of the vessel. However, there is a notable discrepancy in the historical timeline: a plaque located on the wreck site today indicates a sinking date of November 6, 1982, likely a typographical error or misinterpretation of records when the plaque was created.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Date of Loss: November 1, 1892 (per historical records)
• Cause: Fire that consumed the vessel to the waterline
• Outcome: Vessel submerged near Rideau Queen Rock, Rideau Canal

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Navigational Warning: Boaters and divers near Rideau Queen Rock should exercise caution due to the submerged wreckage, which poses potential hazards.

Plaque: A plaque marking the wreck site provides historical context but includes a questionable date of 1982.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The remains of the J.K. Ward lie submerged in shallow waters near Rideau Queen Rock. The wooden Hull and any remaining structures are likely in an advanced state of decay, typical of submerged wooden vessels from the 19th century. The site is accessible for historical interpretation and limited exploration by divers, though care should be taken to avoid disturbing the fragile remains.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Smith Falls Rideau Record (November 17, 1892): Historical account of the fire and sinking.
• Ottawa Citizen (November 11, 1892): Confirming details of the incident.
• Rideau Canal Archives: Records pertaining to the canal’s maritime history and the J.K. Ward.
• Parks Canada: Information on the Rideau Canal’s history and archaeological efforts.

CONCLUSION

The J.K. Ward is an enduring piece of Ontario’s maritime heritage, embodying the essential role of tugboats in supporting the transportation networks of the 19th century. Its sudden loss in 1892, due to a fire, marked the end of its service but left a legacy as part of the vibrant history of the Rideau Canal. Today, the submerged wreck serves as a historical site, providing a glimpse into the challenges of maritime operations during its era. The discrepancy in dates on the site’s plaque adds an intriguing mystery to this historic vessel’s story.

Keywords: J.K. Ward, Tugboat, Rideau Canal, Rideau Queen Rock, Ontario maritime history, 19th-century shipwreck, fire at sea, wooden vessel, Smith Falls.