Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Florence
• Type: Tug
• Location: Off Point Traverse, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Depth: 60 feet (18 meters) at the boiler to 100 feet (30 meters) at the smokestack
• Condition: Partially salvaged; remaining structure includes portions of the Hull and remnants.

Vessel Type Description

The Florence was a steam-powered Tugboat built in 1885 by La Compagnie Maritime et Industrielle de Lévis in Lévis, Québec. Initially designed for towing ocean-going vessels between Montréal and Québec City, the Tug was equipped with a compound surface condensing steam engine and a steel boiler, enabling high-pressure operations. Over its lifespan, the Florence served in diverse roles, including as a harbor Tug, salvage Tug, and coal transporter, reflecting its adaptability and importance to maritime operations on the Great Lakes and beyond.

History

Launched on May 3, 1885, the Florence began service in September of the same year, towing vessels between Montréal and Québec City. Measuring 91 x 19.8 x 9 feet, with a Gross Tonnage of 113 tons and a Net Tonnage of 77 tons, the Tug was well-suited for heavy-duty operations.

The Florence underwent several ownership changes:

• 1898: Purchased by Sincennes-McNaughton Line Ltd.
• 1902: Acquired by Captain F. B. Hackett for use as a salvage Tug.
• 1906: Sold to the Quebec Transportation and Forwarding Co., Ltd., later becoming part of the Quebec Transportation Co., Ltd.
• 1921: Transferred to the George Hall Coal Co., Ltd., serving as a coal transporter.
• 1932: Purchased by Dominion Tankers, Ltd. of Toronto and refurbished for towing operations.

On November 14, 1933, during a severe storm, the Florence tragically sank off Point Traverse, Ontario, while towing the Peter G. Campbell, a British-built welded tank Barge. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it took on water and ultimately sank.

Final Disposition

The wreckage of the Florence rests between 60 and 100 feet in Lake Ontario. In 1942, salvage operations recovered approximately 60% of the vessel, including the boiler, decking, and smokestack, which were deposited on Timber Island. The remaining Hull and other components are now part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve the wreck.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Florence wreck site. Moorings installed by SOS Picton in 2022 facilitate safe exploration of the site.

Located By & Date

The wreck was partially salvaged in 1942.

Moorings were added in 2022, and in 2023, Shotline Diving led to the creation of a detailed site map and initial 3D models of the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Florence lies accessible to experienced divers at depths ranging from 60 to 100 feet (18-30 meters). Although much of the vessel was salvaged, remaining portions, including the Hull, offer significant historical value. Marked moorings make the site easier to locate and explore. Efforts to document the wreck, such as 3D modeling, are ongoing.

Resources & Links

• 3D Model of the Deck by Corey Phillips, SLD: A digital reconstruction of the Florence’s Deck created during Shotline Diving.
• •Historical Photo Discussion by William Lafferty: Available via social media platforms, such as Facebook.

Keywords

Florence, Tug, Point Traverse, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, salvage, Great Lakes, maritime history, SOS Picton.

Analysis

The Florence serves as a compelling example of the diverse roles played by tugs on the Great Lakes. Built in 1885, the vessel adapted to various maritime challenges, including towing, salvage, and cargo transport. Its long service life highlights its resilience and utility. The Florence’s tragic sinking during a storm in 1933 underscores the risks faced by even well-equipped vessels on the unpredictable Great Lakes.

The wreck’s partial salvage in 1942 and the subsequent preservation efforts reflect its enduring historical significance. For divers and historians, the site offers a tangible connection to the technological advancements and operational challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.