IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Unnamed “Maplenamed” Vessel (Nicknamed “Titanic”)
• Type: Steamer, Bulk Propeller
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Depth at Wreck Site: Not specified
• Location: Amherst Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44° 08.597’, W 76° 37.286’

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The unnamed vessel, part of the “Maplenamed” series, was a bulk Propeller Steamer likely used in Great Lakes trade. As a Steamer, it would have been driven by a steam-powered propulsion system, commonly used during the early 20th century. Its nickname, “Titanic,” suggests it may have been notable for its size, cargo capacity, or another characteristic, though there is no evidence of a disaster akin to the famed ocean liner.

HISTORY

The vessel served as part of Canada Steamship Lines’ fleet, engaging in the transportation of bulk goods such as grain, coal, or iron ore across the Great Lakes. The nickname “Titanic” may reflect its size or regional significance but is unrelated to any catastrophic event.

By the early 20th century, as maritime technology advanced and older vessels became obsolete, the ship was laid up in Kingston Inner Harbour. In 1925, as part of a clean-up effort to clear derelict vessels from the harbour, the Steamer was scuttled at Amherst Island Graveyard. This site became a final resting place for several retired ships, marking the end of their service lives.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The vessel was scuttled intentionally during the 1925 Kingston Harbour clean-up, joining other obsolete ships in the Amherst Island Graveyard. The scuttling was a common practice at the time, ensuring safe disposal of vessels while clearing active harbor space for modern shipping needs.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The exact condition of the wreck is undocumented, but it likely remains partially intact as part of the larger Amherst Island Graveyard.

•Accessibility: The site is accessible to experienced divers. The graveyard presents unique challenges, including limited Visibility, potential entanglement hazards, and debris from other wrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: Resource for divers exploring Amherst Island Graveyard.
• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Database of historical ship records and stories.
• Queens University Photo and Video Archives (POW Photo Project, 1998): Archival materials on wrecks in the region.
• Vlada Dekina Photogallery (2002): Photographic documentation of wrecks in Lake Ontario, including Amherst Island Graveyard.

KEYWORDS

#Maplenamed Vessel #Titanic (Nicknamed Vessel) #Amherst Island Graveyard #Kingston Harbour Clean-Up #Lake Ontario Shipwrecks #Great Lakes Diving #Canada Steamship Lines #Scuttled Ships

ANALYSIS

The unnamed “Titanic” vessel reflects the end of an era in Great Lakes shipping, where older steamers were retired and replaced with more advanced ships. Its scuttling in the Amherst Island Graveyard was part of a broader effort to modernize harbor operations. While its specific history remains elusive, its inclusion in the graveyard offers a window into the practices and transitions of early 20th-century maritime commerce.

The site holds significance for divers and historians, encapsulating the legacy of the Great Lakes’ bustling trade and the vessels that powered it. Exploring this wreck and its companions provides an opportunity to connect with a bygone maritime world.