Shipwreck Report: Little Lake Mystery Ship

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Unidentified (Potentially Esturion or Water Lily)

•Location: Little Lake, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates: Not explicitly provided; near Beavermead Park

•Depth: Normally submerged; partially exposed at 2.5 meters below normal water levels

•Length: Approximately 75 feet (22.9 meters)

•Condition: Skeletal remains

•Date of Discovery: December 2 (year not specified)

•Reported By: Dennis Carter-Edwards, Cultural Resource Specialist, Parks Canada

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck appears to be the remains of a wooden Steamboat commonly used in the late 19th century for passenger and cargo transport along the Trent-Severn Waterway. With dimensions consistent with regional steamers of that era, the vessel likely featured a single Deck and Screw Propulsion.

HISTORY

The discovery of this skeletal wreck has reignited interest in Peterborough’s maritime past. The most likely candidates for the wreck’s identity are the Esturion and the Water Lily, both historically significant steamers in the region.

The Esturion

•Construction and Service:

•Built for the Trent Valley Navigation Company, the Esturion was a flagship vessel, critical to the Trent-Severn Waterway’s operations.

•It transported passengers and goods between key hubs such as Bobcaygeon, Lindsay, and Lakefield.

•Notable Events:

•In 1888, the Esturion hosted Sir Wilfrid Laurier (future Prime Minister of Canada) and Governor-General Lord Stanley, who were among the most prominent passengers aboard the vessel.

•The ship was outfitted with electric lighting and a searchlight by 1894, demonstrating advancements in ship technology during its operational years.

•Decline:

•Historical accounts suggest that the Esturion was Abandoned or dismantled, but exact details of its final disposition remain unclear, leaving the possibility that this wreck could be its remains.

The Water Lily

•Service History:

•Another Steamboat that served the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Water Lily was slightly less prominent than the Esturion. It was also used for passenger and cargo transport.

•Historical Gaps:

•The Water Lily’s final disposition is not well-documented, making it a plausible candidate for the Little Lake wreck.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•The wreck lies in Little Lake near Beavermead Park and was exposed when the water level was lowered by 2.5 meters during maintenance work on Scott’s Mills, Lock 19.

•The vessel’s skeletal remains include a visible framework consistent with 19th-century wooden Steamboat construction.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck. Its shallow location may present a hazard if water levels are lowered, but it is not considered a significant navigational concern under normal conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovered in December during maintenance work.

•Exposed due to water levels being temporarily lowered for repairs at Lock 19.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The remains are skeletal, heavily decayed over time.

•Accessibility: The wreck is exposed during maintenance events but typically submerged. Shore access from Beavermead Park is possible.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Parks Canada:

Trent-Severn Waterway

For more information on the historical context of the waterway.

2.Books:

Steamboating on the Trent-Severn by Richard Tatley.

This book offers detailed historical accounts of vessels that operated in the region.

3.Local Archives:

The Peterborough Examiner or local historical societies may have records relevant to the Esturion or Water Lily.

4.Museums:

Trent-Severn Historical Museums in Peterborough may provide additional artifacts or context regarding steamboats in the area.

CONCLUSION

The discovery of this wreck has sparked renewed interest in the maritime history of Little Lake and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Whether the remains belong to the Esturion, Water Lily, or another Steamboat, further archaeological investigation is essential to unlocking the story behind this vessel. As a relic of Ontario’s rich maritime past, this wreck represents an opportunity to delve into the operational history and technological advancements of 19th-century Great Lakes and river navigation.

KEYWORDS

Little Lake wreck, Esturion, Water Lily, Trent-Severn Waterway, Peterborough shipwreck, Canadian maritime history, Great Lakes steamers, 19th-century transportation.