Identification & Site Information

• Name: ROTHESAY
• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Location: Prescott, Ontario, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: N44 41.581’, W75 31.401’
• Depth: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
• Distance from Shore: Approximately 1000 feet (304.8 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The ROTHESAY was a luxurious Sidewheel Steamer, characterized by its paddle wheels mounted on either side of the Hull, driven by a steam engine. Designed for smooth and stable travel, sidewheel steamers like the ROTHESAY were essential for passenger and cargo transport during the 19th century. It exemplified the elegance and technological advancements of its era, providing reliable and comfortable service.

Construction: Launched on February 2, 1867, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the ROTHESAY was built to serve the Saint John River.

Service Life: Initially operated along the Saint John River before moving to Prescott, Ontario, in 1877, where it navigated the St. Lawrence River, including the Thousand Islands region.

•In 1878, it transferred to Toronto, connecting routes between Toronto and the Niagara River. Its operational life was marked by reliability and a few notable incidents, such as a fire on the boiler Deck in 1880, which caused minimal damage.

Final Voyage:

On September 12, 1889, the ROTHESAY collided with the Tug MYRA near Prescott. The collision caused severe damage, and efforts to beach the vessel failed. The Steamer was Abandoned and declared a Total Loss.

In 1902, the Royal Military College dynamited parts of the wreck to clear Navigation Hazards, though much of the ship remains submerged.

Rediscovery and Dive Site

Rediscovery: In 1962, members of the Syracuse Skin Divers Club located the wreck.

Current Status: The wreck lies in 30 feet of water, approximately 1000 feet from shore, making it a popular site for recreational divers. Much of the sidewheel mechanisms, paddle shafts, boilers, and structural components are still visible, offering insight into the engineering of 19th-century steam vessels.

Dive Site Overview

• Depth: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
• Visibility: Generally good, depending on river conditions.
• Highlights: Paddlewheel remnants and shafts Boilers, S.O.S plaque commemorating the wreck, Structural components showcasing the vessel’s original craftsmanship

Legacy of the ROTHESAY

The ROTHESAY represents the rich maritime history of the St. Lawrence River, illustrating the critical role sidewheel steamers played in passenger and cargo transport during the 19th century. Its tragic end highlights the challenges of navigation in busy and often hazardous waters.

The wreck serves as a unique underwater archaeological site and an engaging dive destination. It draws interest from divers, historians, and enthusiasts seeking a tangible connection to Canada’s maritime past.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for historical details about Great Lakes vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive ship records, including the ROTHESAY.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Specific shipwreck data for historical and dive research.

3D Model: A digital reconstruction available on Sketchfab by 3DShipwrecks

Rothesay Side Wheeler Wreck by Roger Lacasse on Sketchfab

Photos and Documentation

Historical and Dive Images:

Video Resources:

•YouTube: Dive documentation by Daniel Villeneuve

Conclusion

The ROTHESAY remains a significant historical artifact, bridging past and present through its well-preserved underwater remnants. The site is an excellent choice for divers interested in exploring maritime history and the technological achievements of the Steamship era. Accessible and captivating, the ROTHESAY continues to narrate the story of its time through the silent depths of the St. Lawrence River.

Keywords: ROTHESAY, Sidewheel Steamer, Prescott Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Recreational Diving, 19th-Century Steamships