Shipwreck Report: William Gardner

Identification & Discovery

• Name: William Gardner
• Vessel Type: Tugboat
• Year Built: Not documented
• Year Sank: 1883
• Cause of Loss: Fire
• Discovery:
• Year Found: 2015
• Discoverer: Jerry Eliason and his team from Sonarguy.com
• Technology Used: Advanced side-scan sonar

Vessel History

The William Gardner was a steam-powered Tugboat operating on Lake Ontario, an essential component of the Great Lakes’ 19th-century maritime infrastructure. Tugboats like the William Gardner were used for towing ships, navigating tight channels, and assisting with port operations.

On a fateful day in 1883, the William Gardner was lost due to a fire. The exact circumstances of the fire are unclear, but steam-powered wooden vessels of the time were highly susceptible to such disasters due to their flammable materials and proximity of heat sources. The Tug sank, marking the end of its service.

The wreck remained hidden for over 130 years until it was located in 2015 by Jerry Eliason and his team.

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Ontario
• Depth: Not publicly disclosed
• Condition:
• The wreck of the William Gardner is described as relatively intact despite its age.
• Likely includes remnants of its steam engine, boiler, and wooden Hull.

Discovery Details

Using side-scan sonar, Eliason’s team successfully located the wreck in 2015. Their find highlights the effectiveness of modern sonar technology in uncovering lost shipwrecks. This discovery added another chapter to the growing list of historically significant Great Lakes shipwrecks documented by Eliason and his collaborators.

Significance

The William Gardner is an important piece of Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the critical role tugboats played in the region’s shipping and trade operations during the 19th century. Its preservation in Lake Ontario provides a unique opportunity for further archaeological study, offering insights into the construction and operation of steam-powered tugboats of the era.

Keywords:

William Gardner shipwreck, Sonarguy.com discovery, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, 19th-century tugboats, Great Lakes maritime history, Jerry Eliason.

3D Model

Lake Ontario – Steamer by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

Lake Ontario – Smoke Stack by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab