Steamer Ontario – Shipwreck Overview

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Ontario
• Former Names: None recorded
• Registration Number: Unknown
• Date Built and Launched: 1874, Chatham, Ontario
• Builders: Simpson and Chisholm
• Original Measurements: 181’ x 35’ x 12’ (55.2 m x 10.6 m x 3.7 m), 133 gross tons
• Rebuilt Measurements: 723 gross tons (Bulk Carrier Conversion in 1898)
• Date Lost: August 10, 1899
• GPS Coordinates: 48.6487° N -87.5882° W. View on Google Maps

Vessel Type

The Ontario was initially constructed as a wooden passenger and freight Steamer for the Northwest Transportation Company. After two decades of service, the vessel was converted into a Bulk Carrier, indicative of the growing demand for bulk cargo transport in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

Description

The Ontario was built with a wooden Hull, a common choice for Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century. Her original purpose was passenger service on the western Great Lakes, operating a route that included Sarnia, Fort William, and Duluth. She was known for her robust construction and versatility in handling both passengers and freight.

After her Conversion to a Bulk Carrier in 1898, she primarily transported heavy loads such as coal. Her transition reflected the evolving needs of Great Lakes shipping at the time, as economic pressures shifted focus from passenger services to industrial transport.

History

The Ontario was a critical part of the Northwest Transportation Company fleet, contributing to the movement of people and goods across Lake Superior. During her 25 years of service, the ship adapted to changing economic conditions, surviving long enough to undergo a significant reconstruction as a Bulk Carrier.

On August 10, 1899, during a voyage to Nipigon carrying a load of coal, the Ontario met her end due to navigational challenges in a dense fog near Battle Island. The lack of modern navigational aids left her vulnerable, and she ran aground on the rocky shores of the island’s eastern tip. Fortunately, her crew was able to safely evacuate to the nearby Battle Island lighthouse, which played a vital role in their rescue.

Her wooden Hull could not withstand the harsh conditions, and the Ontario was eventually broken apart by the elements, becoming part of Lake Superior’s underwater heritage.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Ontario lies in a debris field scattered across depths of 10 to 40 feet (3–12 m) of water near Battle Island. A boiler remains visible onshore, while another rests in shallow water, marking the wreck’s approximate location. The site, while degraded, offers divers a unique opportunity to explore fragments of 19th-century Great Lakes shipbuilding.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Ontario is located near the eastern tip of Battle Island, Lake Superior, just offshore in a debris field scattered across depths ranging from 10 to 40 feet (3–12 m) of water. One of her boilers remains onshore as a key landmark for finding the site. Her remains were identified in 1977 and surveyed by Brandon Baillod in the 1980s. Her boiler is on the beach and her debris is scattered across the rocky bottom just off the island.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstructions: The wreck is scattered across shallow waters with unpredictable weather and cold temperatures common in the area. The boiler onshore serves as a landmark for divers.
• Advisories: Visibility can vary, and the site may not be ideal for inexperienced divers due to the cold water and occasional currents. The disarticulated state of the wreck can make navigation and identification of components challenging.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• 3D Shipwrecks Project: 3dshipwrecks.org
• Lighthouse Information: Battle Island Lighthouse History
• Facebook Post – Brandon Baillod
• By the Bay Adventures – Ontario
• Baillod.com – Great Lakes Research

Conclusion

The wreck of the Ontario is an intriguing dive site steeped in history, offering a glimpse into the past of Lake Superior shipping. While degraded, the wreck is a testament to the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes in an era without modern technology. The remains of the vessel continue to provide insights into the transition from passenger service to bulk transport on the lakes.