Identification & Site Information:

• Wreck Name: Unnamed Alligator Tug

• Type of Wreck: Alligator Tug (specialized dredging and construction vessel)

• Location: Catfish Lake, Ontario, Canada

• Coordinates: 45°56’56.64”N, 78°32’51.90”W

• Length: Estimated 50-60 feet (15-18 meters)

Historical Significance:

The wreck in Catfish Lake is believed to be an alligator Tug, a unique vessel used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for dredging and marine construction in shallow waters. Its flat Hull and rear-mounted Paddlewheel were distinctive, designed to maneuver in tight or shallow areas. These vessels were instrumental in maintaining Ontario’s waterways and supporting infrastructure projects.

Dive Site Features:

• Entry Point:

• Shoreline Access: The dive site is reachable from a nearby clearing or dock.

• Gradual Entry: A gently sloping shoreline provides an easy approach into the water.

• Wreck Overview:

• Type: Wooden alligator Tug with a flat, narrow Hull.

• Key Features: Rear-mounted Paddlewheel, possible remnants of dredging equipment.

• Size: 50-60 feet (15-18 meters) long.

• Condition: The wreck may be partially buried under sediment or deteriorated due to age.

• Lake Bottom:

• Silty: Divers should avoid disturbing the fine sediment to maintain Visibility.

• Vegetation: Likely overgrown with aquatic plants, providing habitat for fish.

Visibility:

• Conditions:

• Typical Visibility ranges from 10-20 feet (3-6 meters).

• Best Visibility occurs during calm weather, often in the summer.

Additional Tips:

• Recommended Equipment:

• Dive Light: For exploring interior sections and highlighting Paddlewheel details.

• Wetsuit: Suitable for cooler water temperatures, especially outside summer months.

• Safety:

• Buoyancy Control: Essential to avoid stirring up silt.

• Buddy System: Dive with a partner, particularly when exploring submerged structures.

Points of Interest:

1. Paddlewheel:

• The standout feature of alligator tugs. Its remnants, even partially buried, offer insight into the vessel’s unique design.

2. Hull Structure:

• Explore the flat, narrow Hull and any exposed compartments or internal structures.

3. Dredging Equipment:

• If present, remnants of dredging mechanisms like booms or cranes provide historical interest.

4. Natural Environment:

• The wreck may act as an Artificial Reef, hosting fish and aquatic plants, making it a prime spot for underwater photography.

Resources & Links:

1. Google Maps Location: Catfish Lake, Ontario

2. Local Dive Shops: Check for rentals, guided dives, and local diving conditions.

3. Ontario Historical Society: Learn more about alligator tugs and their regional history.

Conclusion:

The Catfish Lake alligator Tug wreck combines historical significance with the natural beauty of Ontario’s freshwater lakes. This dive offers a rare glimpse into a specialized vessel type that supported critical marine operations in the late 19th century. The site is ideal for recreational divers interested in history, underwater exploration, and photography.

Tags:

• Shore Dive

• Ontario Diving

• Recreational Dive

• Freshwater Dive

• Historical Dive Site

• Alligator Tug Wreck