SHIPWRECK REPORT: Ubique III (formerly Jay’s Liner, Wilema, R.J. Foote)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Ubique III (formerly Jay’s Liner, Wilema, R.J. Foote)
• Type: Steel Tugboat
• Location: Lake Ontario, just off Oakville Harbour, Oakville, Ontario
• Coordinates: N 43° 26.021’, W 079° 36.985’
• Depth of Wreck: 150 feet (45.7 meters)
• Difficulty: Advanced (due to depth)

CONSTRUCTION & OWNERSHIP

• • Date Built: 1939
• • Place Built: Owen Sound, Ontario
• • Builder: Russell Brothers
• • Dimensions: Length: 35 feet 1 inch (10.7 meters) Beam: 10 feet 6 inches (3.2 meters) Depth: 4 feet 8 inches (1.4 meters)
• • Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 9 tons Net Tonnage: 8 tons
• • Propulsion: 125 horsepower engine
• • Registry Number: C 171934

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Ubique III was a small yet robust steel Tugboat designed for demanding maritime operations. Its compact size and powerful engine made it ideal for towing and pushing barges, even in challenging weather conditions. The vessel was a typical example of mid-20th-century Tugboat engineering, combining durability with efficiency.

HISTORY

The Ubique III experienced numerous transitions in its operational life:

• 1939: Launched as R.J. Foote in Owen Sound, Ontario.
• 1942: Sold to the United States and renamed Wilema, serving during World War II.
• Post-War: Returned to Canada and renamed Jay’s Liner.
• 1948: Acquired by Bermingham Construction Ltd. in Hamilton, Ontario, and renamed Ubique III.

The Tug spent its career assisting with the movement of barges and participating in various maritime operations.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Ubique III sank while pushing a Barge on Lake Ontario under circumstances that remain unclear. The wreck was lost for years until its accidental discovery during recovery operations following an aircraft crash in Toronto Harbour during an airshow at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Further investigation by Niagara Divers Association member Ian Marshal, and SLD’s Tom Rutledge worked together to confirmed its identity.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• The wreck lies at a depth of 150 feet, making it accessible primarily to experienced technical divers.
• The structure remains relatively intact, providing a fascinating glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.
• The site offers an opportunity to explore the Tug’s robust design and preserved features.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Warren Lo Photographer: Documented the site in 2007.
• Russel Brothers Website Listing: Contains details about the Tug’s history.
• Ivan Brookes Scrapbook: Includes a historical photo of the Tug with a truck loaded on its Stern.