Shipwreck Report: Alberta (formerly Puritan)

• Wreck Name: Alberta
• Other Name(s): Puritan
• Type of Wreck: Paddlewheel Tug
• Location: Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N44° 05.822’, W76° 53.054’: Google Maps Link
• Depth: Approximately 100 feet (30 meters)
• Dimensions:
• •Length: 65 feet (19.8 meters)
• •Beam: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
• •Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 68 tons
• Site Status: Sank on July 21, 1899; remains submerged in the Bay of Quinte.

Vessel Type Description

The Alberta, originally named Puritan, was a wooden Paddlewheel Tugboat built in 1888 by W. Evans in Deseronto, Ontario. Powered by an 8×24 engine manufactured by Polson Iron Works of Toronto, it featured a centerwheel paddle propulsion system, an innovative design that allowed for efficient navigation and cargo transport on the Bay of Quinte. This Tugboat was an essential part of local trade, supporting both passenger and freight movement in the region.

History

The Alberta served under the Rathbun Company, a prominent Deseronto-based enterprise heavily involved in transportation and logistics in the late 19th century. Initially launched as the Puritan, the vessel was later renamed Alberta and underwent operational modifications to enhance its utility.

On July 21, 1899, the Alberta met its demise near Pyner’s Point in the Bay of Quinte. Historical records note the vessel as simply “sunk,” with no detailed cause for the incident. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the Tug’s engines were later salvaged.

Before the sinking, the Alberta was listed in the Dominion of Canada’s Registry Books, with its final entry recorded on December 31, 1898. The Tug was believed to have a sister vessel, the Prince Edward Ferry, which also operated in the same waters.

Final Disposition

The Alberta Foundered on July 21, 1899, and now rests at a depth of 100 feet in the Bay of Quinte. While its engines were recovered, the wooden structure remains on the lakebed. The site, although submerged and deteriorated, serves as a historical artifact and is a point of interest for divers and historians alike.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) in effect for the Alberta wreck site. However, the depth of the site (100 feet) necessitates advanced diving skills and appropriate equipment. Divers should approach the fragile wreck with care to preserve its historical integrity.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s location has been well documented near Pyner’s Point in the Bay of Quinte. Known for many years, it is a popular dive site for those interested in Ontario’s maritime history.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File – A comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Great Lakes Ships – Mills Listing for Puritan – Historical data on vessel specifications and registry.
• Tom Rutledge 2001 Collection – Photo galleries of shipwrecks.
• Matthew Charlesworth 2022 Collection – Recent shipwreck exploration archives.

Conclusion

The Alberta (formerly Puritan) exemplifies the ingenuity and resilience of late 19th-century Paddlewheel tugboats. Its central role in supporting the Rathbun Company’s operations highlights the economic importance of vessels like the Alberta. Despite its loss, the wreck remains a significant piece of Ontario’s maritime history, attracting divers and historians who seek to preserve its legacy beneath the waters of the Bay of Quinte.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeOntario #BayOfQuinte #PaddlewheelTug #PuritanAlberta #RathbunCompany #MaritimeHistory #CanadianShipwreck #Diving