Identification & Site Information

•Name: White Star (later renamed Douglas)

•Type: Sand Sucker (Sand Dredge), originally a Passenger Steamship

•Location: Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Latitude 44° 01.018′ N, Longitude 76° 36.290′ W

•Dimensions:

•Length: 167 feet (50.9 meters)

•Beam (Width): 25.33 feet (7.7 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 286 tons (post-Rebuild as sand Dredge in 1950)

•Depth of Wreck: Submerged in 151 feet (50 meters) of freshwater

Vessel Type Description

The White Star, originally launched as a passenger Steamship in 1897, underwent a series of transformations reflecting the dynamic maritime industry of the Great Lakes. With a versatile and sturdy design, the vessel evolved from a passenger and freight carrier to a sand Dredge in the latter half of its operational life. Its robust construction, adaptability to new roles, and endurance over nearly a century made it a key player in the region’s maritime history.

History

Early Years and Transition

•1897: Launched in Montreal, Quebec, as a Steamship, renamed Colonial within the same year.

•1899–1901: Operated as City of Dunkirk and later as Empire, marking its transition between owners and purposes.

•1903: Suffered a significant onboard fire but was repaired and sold to Oliver Gillespie.

•1905–1906: Rebuilt in Cornwall, Ontario, and involved in a collision with the Steamer Muncy in Buffalo, New York.

Rebuilds and Sand Dredging

•1926: Converted into a Barge following another fire.

•1950: Final transformation into a sand Dredge under Simpson Sand Co., Ltd., allowing the vessel to contribute to industrial operations by extracting sand from lakebeds.

•1974: Repurposed as a Breakwater for the Brockville Rowing Club, reflecting its continued utility.

Final Disposition

•1985: The vessel, by then renamed Douglas, was scuttled near Main Duck Island. While being towed to deeper waters, the ship began sinking prematurely. It was intentionally sunk at the coordinates N 44° 01.018′ W 76° 36.290′, marking the end of its storied career.

Site Description

•Condition: Submerged and intact at a depth of 151 feet (50 meters). The wreck serves as a historical artifact and an Artificial Reef.

•Key Features:

•Chain locker

•Cabin remnants

•Bow structure and rudder

•Nameboard visible underwater

•Notable Artifacts: Historical photographs capture the vessel in various roles, including its time as White Star and its service as a Breakwater.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the wreck of the Douglas. However, divers and mariners are advised to exercise caution and consult local guidelines when exploring or navigating near the site.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical details on Great Lakes vessels.

•Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Documentation of wrecks, including the White Star/Douglas.

•Historical Archives: Available through Canadian maritime history societies and local archives.

Analysis

The White Star/Douglas exemplifies the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels, having been Rebuilt and repurposed multiple times to meet evolving industrial and commercial demands. Its transformation from a passenger Steamship to a sand Dredge highlights the ingenuity of maritime industries in maximizing vessel utility. The intentional scuttling of the vessel in 1985 reflects the practice of reusing aging ships for environmental or navigational purposes.

The wreck site now offers a valuable opportunity for exploration and study, serving as a reminder of the vessel’s varied roles and the resilience of maritime operations in the Great Lakes.

Keywords

•White Star

•Douglas

•Sand Sucker

•Sand Dredge

•Lake Ontario Shipwreck

•Main Duck Island

•Great Lakes Maritime History

•1985 Scuttling

•Brockville Navigation

•Historical Shipwreck Exploration