Identification & Site Information

• Name: Varuna
• Type: Wooden Screw Steamer
• Location: Snake Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44°12.239’ W 76°31.578’
• Depth: 70 feet (22 meters)
• Length: 90 feet (27.4 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 134 tons
• Net Tonnage: 85 tons
• Year Built: 1880
• Built At: Wolfe Island, Ontario
• Registered: May 20, 1880, in Picton, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Varuna was a wooden screw Steamer, notable for its 90-foot length and a design tailored for transporting general cargo across Lake Ontario. Built at Wolfe Island, Ontario, in 1880, it featured a single-Deck design and Screw Propulsion, making it an efficient and reliable vessel for its time. Its construction typified the robust but relatively simple shipbuilding methods employed for commercial cargo vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century.

History

The Varuna had a storied operational history spanning nearly five decades. Initially registered in Picton, Ontario, on May 20, 1880, it became a crucial part of the region’s burgeoning maritime trade, handling various goods. Ownership of the vessel changed hands multiple times, reflecting its utility and

Ownership Timeline:

• 1888: Ownership transferred from Jonathan A. Porte to Thomas Jeffares Porte of Picton, Ontario, on March 26, 1888. This transaction included a mortgage of $5,000 at 7% interest in favour of the seller.
• 1893: On April 8, 1893, William G. Porte and Robert G. Porte sold their shares to William Elias VanVlack, a master mariner, and William Burton Cooper, a farmer, both from Picton. This sale was accompanied by a mortgage of $3,000 at 6% interest.
• 1893: Later that year, on October 9, 1893, William Elias VanVlack sold his 32 shares to William Burton Cooper. Subsequently, Cooper sold 8 shares each to Alfred Hicks, a master mariner from Hallowell, Prince Edward County, and Reuben Rose Norcroft, an engineer from Trenton.
• 1898: By March 5, 1898, ownership was recorded as Alfred Hicks holding 48 shares and Phoebe J. Porte possessing 16 shares.
• 1904: Following the deaths of Phoebe J. Porte on December 25, 1899, and Reuben R. Norcroft on March 17, 1904, Frank J. Farley, acting as Norcroft’s executor, sold 21 shares to Alfred Hicks on October 27, 1904.

These transactions illustrate the Varuna’s significant role in regional trade and the collaborative efforts of local maritime professionals and investors in sustaining its operations.

Notable Individuals:

• Thomas Jeffares Porte: Born on August 7, 1867, in Picton, Ontario, he was a jeweller by profession and later moved to Winnipeg in 1897, where he became President of Porte & Markle Limited.
• William Elias VanVlack: A master mariner from Picton, Ontario, involved in the maritime industry during the late 19th century.
• William Burton Cooper: A farmer from Picton, Ontario, who invested in the Varuna in the 1890s.
• Alfred Hicks: A master mariner from Hallowell, Prince Edward County, who became a significant shareholder in the Varuna.
• Reuben Rose Norcroft: An engineer from Trenton, Ontario, who held shares in the Varuna until his death in 1904.

The Varuna’s history reflects the collaborative nature of maritime ventures in the Great Lakes region, with ownership shared among individuals dedicated to the vessel’s operation and the economic development of their communities.

• Quinte Navigation Co., Ltd.
• Canada Steamship Lines (1916)

Throughout its life, the Varuna adapted to the shifting demands of Great Lakes commerce. Its transition to Canada Steamship Lines signaled the vessel’s continued relevance into the 20th century, even as steel-hulled ships began to dominate the waters.

After decades of service, the Varuna was decommissioned and dismantled in 1927. The dismantling marked its formal retirement from active duty, but its remnants were scuttled near Snake Island, where they remain to this day.

Final Disposition

The Varuna’s final resting place is at a depth of 70 feet near Snake Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel, after being dismantled, was scuttled intentionally, likely to clear it from operational harbors or docks. The wreck site has become a point of interest for divers and maritime historians alike.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in 70 feet of water, accessible to moderately experienced divers. Over time, the wooden structure has deteriorated due to natural underwater processes, but significant portions remain, offering a glimpse into the vessel’s construction and historical role. Visibility may vary, as is typical for Lake Ontario dive sites, but the wreck offers an intriguing exploration site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical data on the Varuna and other vessels.
• Wrecksite Database: Detailed records of the Varuna wreck and its historical significance.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Resources for understanding the broader context of Great Lakes maritime history.

Conclusion

The Varuna represents a fascinating chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario. From its construction at Wolfe Island to its service under Canada Steamship Lines, the vessel played an integral role in the region’s trade and development. Now resting near Snake Island, its wreck provides a tangible link to the past, inviting divers and historians to explore and reflect on the dynamic maritime culture of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#Varuna | #WoodenScrewSteamer | #SnakeIsland | #LakeOntario | #Shipwreck | #GreatLakesHistory | #CanadaSteamshipLines | #MaritimeHeritage