Identification & Site Information

• Type of Wreck: Ferry
• Location of Wreck: Gallop Canal, Cardinal, Ontario, Canada
• Dimensions: 145.6 feet (44.4 meters) in length, 37.1 feet (11.3 meters) in width, 12.7 feet (3.9 meters) in depth
• Depth of Wreck: 0 – 15 feet (0 – 4.6 meters)
• Coordinates: N 44° 46.623′, W 075° 24.001′

Vessel Type Description

The Wee “Kitty” Hawk, originally known as the Weehawk, was a diesel-electric  Ferry built in 1926 by the American Boveri Electric Company in Camden, New Jersey. The Ferry, designed by naval architect Eads Johnson, was part of the Electric Ferries Incorporated fleet. It boasted an innovative design for its time, using diesel-electric propulsion instead of the more common steam engines, which resulted in lower fuel consumption and increased efficiency. The Ferry had a Gross Tonnage of 405 tons and a Net Tonnage of 268 tons, with a capacity to carry approximately 36 cars and 500 passengers.

History

The Weehawk served as a ferryboat on the Hudson River, initially operating between Manhattan’s West 23rd Street and Weehawken, New Jersey. Its innovative design and efficient fuel consumption made it a key player in the transportation of cars and passengers across the river.

In 1943, as the construction of the Lincoln Tunnel and the decline in private car usage led to the discontinuation of its original Ferry route, the Weehawk was reassigned to the West 125th Street-Edgewater route, taking over from another Ferry company. The vessel continued to serve the Hudson River transportation system for several years.

From 1947 to 1958, the Weehawk was operated by the Westchester Ferry Corporation on the Yonkers-Alpine service, alongside another Ferry, the John J. Walsh. However, the advent of the George Washington Bridge and the Tappan Zee Bridge rendered the Ferry services less viable, leading to the eventual abandonment of the Yonkers-Alpine route in December 1956.

The Weehawk later found a role in the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, particularly in the International Rapids Section, which further demonstrated its versatility and importance in North American transportation infrastructure. However, the Ferry’s operational days eventually came to an end, and it was decommissioned.

Final Dispostion

The Weehawk was eventually scuttled and now lies in the Gallop Canal in Cardinal, Ontario. It rests in shallow waters, making it accessible to scuba divers who are interested in exploring its remains. The wreck is composed of wood and iron, typical of the construction methods used during its time. The site is now preserved as an underwater museum by volunteer organizations like Save Ontario Shipwrecks.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Divers should be aware that the wreck is in shallow water (0 – 15 feet), and care should be taken when exploring the site. The area may have varying currents due to its location in the Gallop Canal.

Located by

The exact date of the Weehawk‘s scuttling is not specified, but it is now a known wreck site in the Gallop Canal. It has become a popular spot for scuba divers and maritime historians alike.

Resources and Links

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks Report: Save Ontario Shipwrecks
• Scuba Geek Canada YouTube Video: A visual exploration of the Weehawk wreck.
• Free Diving the WeeHawk: An article or video detailing a free-diving experience at the wreck site.
• MapCarta Link for Directions by Land: MapCarta
• Waymarking for the Boat Travellers: Directions and waypoints for those visiting by boat.
• Panoramic View of the Wreck Above Water: A panoramic photo of the wreck as seen from above the water.

Weehawk, Wee “Kitty” Hawk, Gallop Canal, Cardinal Ontario, Lake Ontario Wreck, Diesel-Electric Ferry, Hudson River Ferry, Maritime History.

Conclusion

The Wee “Kitty” Hawk (formerly Weehawk) serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century Ferry innovation. Its diesel-electric propulsion system marked a significant departure from the steam-powered vessels of its time, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Despite the Ferry’s initial success and long service life, the development of modern bridges and tunnels eventually rendered its services obsolete. Today, its remains serve as a reminder of the evolution of transportation infrastructure and the vital role ferries once played in connecting cities and regions.