IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Unknown named after Rick Nielson+

Type: Tugboat

Year Built: Not specified

Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)

Depth of Wreck: 98 feet (30 meters)

Location: Near Amherst Island, Lake Ontario

Likely Ownership/Operator: Collins Bay Rafting Company

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Rick Nielson+ was a wooden Tugboat, an essential workhorse for maneuvering larger vessels and supporting various maritime industries. Tugboats like this one were integral to activities such as logging, rafting operations, and assisting larger ships in docking and transit. These versatile vessels were crucial for regions like Lake Ontario, where industries relied heavily on efficient water transport.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Rick Nielson+ is believed to have been associated with the Collins Bay Rafting Company, a prominent operator in Lake Ontario’s maritime landscape. The company played a significant role in local industry, particularly in timber rafting and construction support.

The wreck honors Rick Nielson, a local figure known for his contributions to the documentation and exploration of shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. His work has been invaluable in preserving the region’s underwater heritage and fostering interest in maritime history.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Tug now rests on the lakebed near Amherst Island, submerged at a depth of 98 feet in the clear, cold waters of Lake Ontario. The wreck remains mostly intact, providing an excellent opportunity for study and exploration. The exact circumstances leading to the vessel’s sinking are not documented, but its association with local industry suggests its operational history ended due to obsolescence, accident, or deliberate scuttling.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Rick Nielson+ serves as a lasting tribute to local wreck enthusiasts and the tugboats that supported the maritime industries of Lake Ontario. It is a valuable site for divers and historians, offering insights into the construction and operational life of tugboats. The wreck’s connection to the Collins Bay Rafting Company adds a layer of historical importance, reflecting the interconnectedness of industry and community on the Great Lakes.

EXPLORATION NOTES

•Depth: At 98 feet, this site is best suited for experienced divers with appropriate certifications for deep diving.

•Condition: The wreck remains largely intact, with many original structural features preserved.

•Access: Visibility in Lake Ontario’s waters is generally good, making this site ideal for photography and exploration.

•Caution: Divers are encouraged to respect the site due to its historical significance and the fragile nature of underwater wrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Local Maritime History Archives: Explore records related to tugboats and their roles in Lake Ontario’s industries.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Information on preservation efforts and other notable wrecks in the region.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A rich source of historical context about vessels like the Rick Nielson+.

•Diving Community Reports: Insights and firsthand accounts from divers who have explored the site.

KEYWORDS

Rick Nielson+, Amherst Island, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Tugboat wreck, Collins Bay Rafting Company, Lake Ontario diving site, maritime history, Great Lakes wreck preservation.

ANALYSIS

The Rick Nielson+ exemplifies the significant yet often overlooked contributions of tugboats to maritime industries. Its preservation at a depth of 98 feet makes it an important underwater site, providing divers and historians with a tangible connection to the past. By honoring Rick Nielson and other local enthusiasts, this wreck underscores the importance of community efforts in documenting and preserving Lake Ontario’s rich maritime heritage.