Identification & Site Information

•Name: Morton Wreck (also known as the Morton Ironclad)

•Location: Near Morton, Ontario, in the Rideau Canal system, specifically in Morton Bay

•Coordinates: Exact coordinates are variable but located near Morton Bay

•Depth: Shallow water, accessible to snorkelers and divers

Vessel Type Description

The Morton Wreck is believed to be an iron-hulled vessel, possibly a Barge or small workboat. Its design and materials suggest it was used in connection with the construction, operation, or maintenance of the Rideau Canal. Iron components and structural remnants visible on the site highlight the industrial nature of this vessel.

History

The wreck likely dates back to the 19th century, during the active operational period of the Rideau Canal. Completed in 1832, the canal was a critical transportation and strategic military route connecting Kingston and Ottawa.

Possible Origins and Use:

•The vessel may have been used for ferrying supplies, workers, or construction materials, such as stone or timber, during the canal’s construction or subsequent maintenance.

•The canal played a dual role in commercial shipping and as a defense route in anticipation of conflicts, particularly with the United States.

•Over time, with the advent of railways and the diminished strategic importance of the canal, vessels like the Morton Wreck were Abandoned, particularly in remote or lesser-used areas such as Morton Bay.

Final Disposition

The Morton Wreck was Abandoned, likely due to obsolescence or damage. The iron Hull has resisted complete degradation, and parts of the wreck remain visible, partially buried in silt. Its current state offers a glimpse into 19th-century maritime practices and the vessels integral to the Rideau Canal’s operation.

Located By & Date

The wreck has been known to local historians and divers for an extended period. It is believed to have been identified during surveys of the Rideau Canal, but due to its modest size and remote location, it is not widely publicized.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific advisories exist for the site. However, general caution is advised for small craft navigating near the wreck to avoid potential damage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers. Depending on water clarity and silt levels, portions of the wreck are visible. The iron structure remains relatively intact, providing an educational and historical diving opportunity.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Morton Wreck symbolizes the integral role the Rideau Canal played in 19th-century transportation and industry. As a possible workboat or Barge, the vessel underscores the extensive efforts required to construct and maintain this vital waterway. Today, it stands as a submerged artifact, preserving the legacy of early canal engineering and commerce.

Resources & Links

•Rideau Canal National Historic Site: Link

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Link

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link

Conclusion

The Morton Wreck offers a rare insight into the infrastructure and operations of the Rideau Canal during its formative years. Its historical value lies not just in its physical remains but in its connection to a period when the canal was central to trade, transportation, and defense in Canada. The site remains a point of interest for local historians, divers, and maritime enthusiasts.

Keywords

•#RideauCanal

•#MortonWreck

•#IronHull

•#19thCenturyShipping

•#CanalConstruction

•#HistoricalDiving

•#OntarioMaritimeHistory

•#SaveOntarioShipwrecks

•#MortonBay

•#CanadaHeritage