Identification & Site Information

•Name: William Johnston

•Type: Tugboat (Towboat)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 86 feet (26.21 meters)

•Beam: 21 feet (6.40 meters)

•Depth: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)

•Registered Tonnage:

•Gross: 95 tons

•Net: 53 tons

•Built: 1878, Garden Island, Ontario, by Calvin Co.

•Final Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: N 44°07.490’ W 76°33.480’

•Depth at Wreck Site: 98 feet (29.87 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The William Johnston was a wooden Tugboat, a critical workhorse of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Built by the Calvin Company in 1878, the vessel was designed for towing and maritime operations in and around Kingston, Ontario. Powered by a steeple compound engine and equipped with a Firebox Boiler producing 74 pounds of steam, the William Johnston was built to endure the demands of the busy shipping routes of the Great Lakes.

Throughout its lifespan, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds, increasing its length and beam, further emphasizing its durability and adaptability in various maritime roles.

History

•Early Years:

The William Johnston was initially commissioned by Henry Rooney and owned by Calvin Co., serving as a Tugboat for towing and other maritime operations in the Kingston area and the broader Great Lakes.

•Rebuilds and Ownership Changes:

•1886: Rebuilt and sold to Sin-Mac Lines Ltd. in Montreal, Quebec. The vessel’s home port changed to Kingston, Ontario.

•1897: Underwent additional modifications, extending its length to 86 feet.

•1921: Acquired by Donnelly Salvage Co., continuing its operations in towing and salvage.

•Service and Retirement:

After decades of faithful service, the William Johnston was retired in the early 20th century. The vessel was scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, joining other vessels in this designated area for decommissioned ships.

Final Disposition

The William Johnston was scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard in Lake Ontario. It now lies at a depth of 98 feet, serving as a historical dive site and contributing to the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the William Johnston is accessible to divers, with a mooring system maintained by the Ottawa Beavers Scuba Club for safe and easy exploration. The wooden Hull, while subject to decay due to its extended submersion, still provides insights into 19th-century Tugboat construction and operations. The wreck remains a valuable resource for historical research and underwater exploration.

Resources & Links

•Divehub.ca: Dive guides and information about the Wolfe Island Graveyard, including the William Johnston.

•Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Archival records and ship histories.

•Queens University Video Tape Holdings (POW Photo Project 1998): Archival images and footage of Lake Ontario wrecks.

•Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: Images of regional shipwrecks, potentially including the William Johnston.

Analysis

The William Johnston highlights the indispensable role of tugboats in the economic development of the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel’s adaptability through rebuilds and ownership changes illustrates the evolving demands of the maritime industry. Its final disposition in the Wolfe Island Graveyard reflects a common practice of the time, where scuttled vessels contributed to a rich underwater heritage.

The wreck, preserved in part due to its accessible depth and mooring system, offers an educational and exploratory opportunity for divers and maritime historians, shedding light on the Tugboat’s operational life and historical significance.

Keywords

WILLIAM JOHNSTON, Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Great Lakes Tugboat, Calvin Co., Donnelly Salvage Co., Ottawa Beavers Scuba Club, Scuttled vessels

Conclusion

The William Johnston stands as a testament to the industriousness and versatility of Great Lakes maritime operations. Its long service life and eventual scuttling provide a tangible link to the region’s shipping history. Today, it serves as a fascinating underwater destination for divers, continuing its legacy as an integral part of Great Lakes heritage.