RIDEAULITE (Later Niagara II): A Legacy of Transformation

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Rideaulite (Later Imperial Lachine, Niagara, W.M. Edington, Niagara II)
• Registration Number: Hull Number 174
• Year Built: 1930
• Construction: Steel
• Dimensions: Length: 175 ft (53.3 m) Beam: 35.2 ft (10.7 m) Depth: 12.9 ft (3.9 m)
• Tonnage: 723 Gross Tonnage, 343 Net Tonnage
• Propulsion: Originally a triple expansion steam engine with 650 HP by NE Marine Engineering Co., later replaced by a 635 HP Caterpillar diesel engine in 1972.
• Location: Off Tobermory, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: N 45° 15.052′ W 081° 36.030′
• Depth: 100 ft (33 m)

Vessel Type

The Life and Legacy of the Rideaulite (Later Niagara II): From Tanker to Artificial Reef

Introduction

The Rideaulite, a vessel with a dynamic and transformative career, serves as a fascinating case study of maritime adaptation and innovation. Originally built as a petroleum tanker, the Rideaulite underwent multiple conversions, from a sand Dredge to a self-unloading vessel, and finally to a Barge, before its ultimate role as an Artificial Reef. Each phase of its life reflects not only the evolving needs of the maritime industry on the Great Lakes but also the ingenuity required to repurpose ships for new demands. This article delves into the rich history of the Rideaulite, tracing its journey from a functional oil tanker to a thriving underwater habitat for divers and marine life.

1930–1947: Imperial Oil Service – The Birth of Rideaulite

The Rideaulite was launched in 1930, constructed by Imperial Oil Ltd. to transport petroleum products across the vast expanse of the Great Lakes. During this era, the demand for efficient and safe petroleum transportation was soaring due to industrial growth and the increasing reliance on oil for both domestic and commercial use.

Design and Construction:

Built with robust steel construction and equipped with a Screw Propulsion system, the Rideaulite was engineered for durability and reliability. Its design was typical of early 20th-century Great Lakes tankers, featuring a double-Hull structure for safety and large cargo holds specifically designed for transporting liquid petroleum products. The vessel’s length, beam, and depth specifications made it ideal for navigating both large open waters and narrower channels of the Great Lakes.

Operational Role:

The vessel’s primary role was to Ferry petroleum between refineries and distribution points across the Great Lakes region. This included routes from Imperial Oil’s refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, to various ports such as Detroit, Chicago, and Buffalo. Its efficiency and reliability soon made it a critical component of Imperial Oil’s fleet.

1947–1954: Renamed Imperial Lachine – Continuing Service

In 1947, the Rideaulite was renamed Imperial Lachine as part of a fleet-wide standardization effort by Imperial Oil Ltd.The renaming was a nod to Lachine, Quebec, a region deeply intertwined with Canada’s industrial and maritime history. Under this new name, the vessel continued its petroleum transport duties across the Great Lakes.

Post-War Maritime Landscape:

The years following World War II brought about significant changes in maritime operations. The demand for petroleum products remained high, but the emergence of larger, more advanced tankers began to outpace older vessels like the Imperial Lachine. Though it remained in service, the vessel’s future was increasingly uncertain as it became less competitive compared to newer, more efficient ships.

1954–1984: Transformation into Niagara and Niagara II – A New Purpose

In 1954, the vessel’s life took a dramatic turn when it was sold to Holden Sand & Gravel Ltd. Recognizing the potential of the ship’s sturdy steel Hull and robust structure, the company undertook a comprehensive Conversion, transforming the former tanker into a self-unloading sand Dredge. It was renamed Niagara, a name evoking the mighty Niagara Riverand Falls, both symbolic of power and industry.

Conversion to Sand Dredge:

The Conversion involved retrofitting the vessel with dredging equipment, including suction pumps and conveyor systems for sand removal and unloading. These modifications enabled the ship to operate efficiently in sand and gravel extraction, particularly in areas where the construction industry demanded large quantities of these materials for urban development projects.

Technological Upgrades:

The vessel’s technological capabilities were further enhanced in 1972 when a Caterpillar diesel engine was installed, replacing the original steam engines. This upgrade significantly improved its fuel efficiency and operational reliability, allowing it to remain competitive in the sand dredging industry.

Ownership Changes and Further Service:

Over the next few decades, the vessel changed hands several times, serving under various names, including W.M. Edington and Niagara II. Each new owner introduced minor modifications, but the ship’s core role as a self-unloading Dredge remained consistent. The ship became a familiar sight along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, contributing to numerous infrastructure projects throughout the region.

1984–1990: The Final Transformation – From Ship to Barge

In 1984, the vessel was acquired by McKeil Marine Ltd., a prominent Canadian marine transportation companyknown for its fleet of tugs and barges. McKeil recognized the potential for the aging ship to be repurposed once again, this time as a Barge for heavy cargo transport.

Conversion to Barge:

The ship underwent another significant transformation, during which its engines were removed, and it was converted into a non-self-propelled Barge. This allowed it to carry bulk cargo such as construction materials, steel, and aggregatewhile being towed by powerful tugboats across the Great Lakes. As a Barge, the vessel provided valuable service in transporting goods for construction and industrial projects, further extending its operational life.

End of Commercial Service: By the late 1980s, however, the vessel’s age and the availability of more modern barges rendered it less economical to operate. McKeil Marine eventually retired the vessel from commercial service, but instead of scrapping it, they saw an opportunity to give the ship a final, environmentally beneficial purpose.

1999: Final Disposition – The Niagara II Becomes an Artificial Reef

On May 15, 1999, the vessel—now officially known as the Niagara II—was deliberately sunk near Tobermory, Ontario, in Georgian Bay. This marked the final chapter in the vessel’s storied history, as it was transformed from a commercial workhorse into a thriving Artificial Reef and dive site.

Preparation for Scuttling: Before being sunk, the Niagara II underwent extensive preparation to ensure it would be safe for divers and beneficial to marine life. This included:

• The removal of all hazardous materials, including fuel residues, hydraulic fluids, and asbestos.
• The creation of large openings in the ship’s Hull and superstructure to allow for easy diver access and water circulation.
• The installation of guide ropes and anchor points for divers.

 Location and Depth:

The Niagara II was scuttled at a depth of 100 feet (33 meters), making it accessible to both novice and experienced divers. Its location off the coast of Tobermory, often referred to as the “Scuba Diving Capital of Canada,” ensures the wreck is well-maintained and frequently visited by the diving community.

Environmental and Recreational Impact:

As an Artificial Reef, the Niagara II has become a habitat for a variety of aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and plant species. The wreck has also become a popular diving destination, attracting enthusiasts from across Canada and beyond. Its well-documented location, combined with clear waters and good Visibility, makes it one of the most accessible and enjoyable wreck dives in the Great Lakes region.

Legacy of the Rideaulite / Niagara II

The story of the Rideaulite, later the Niagara II, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of maritime vessels. Over nearly seven decades, the ship served in multiple capacities, from transporting petroleum to dredging sand, hauling heavy cargo, and finally, fostering marine biodiversity as an Artificial Reef.

Maritime Innovation:

Each phase of the ship’s life reflects broader trends in maritime technology and economic adaptation. The Conversion from tanker to Dredge, and later to Barge, highlights the ability of Great Lakes shipowners to repurpose vessels in response to changing market demands and technological advancements.

Environmental Stewardship:

The vessel’s final role as an Artificial Reef underscores the environmental benefits of responsible ship disposal. Rather than being scrapped or left to deteriorate, the Niagara II now serves as a marine sanctuary and a source of recreationfor divers, contributing to both conservation efforts and local tourism.

 A Living Piece of History:

Today, the Niagara II stands as a living monument to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Divers exploring its decks not only encounter a thriving underwater ecosystem but also connect with a tangible piece of industrial history that spans nearly a century.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• • The wreck is marked as a shipwreck on navigational charts.
• • Dive conditions are generally stable, but divers must be cautious of thermoclines and occasional currents.
• • Visibility varies but is often favourable.

Resources & Links

• • David Swayze Shipwreck File
• • Great Lakes Ships Database
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Rideaulite, through its many transformations and roles, embodies the spirit of adaptation and innovation that defines Great Lakes maritime history. From its origins as a petroleum tanker to its final resting place as an artificial reef, the vessel’s journey reflects the dynamic interplay between industry, technology, and the natural environment. As the Niagara II, it continues to serve—not by transporting goods, but by fostering marine life and offering divers a unique window into the past. This enduring legacy ensures that the ship remains an integral part of both Canada’s maritime heritage and the underwater landscape of the Great Lakes.

Youtube Video

Keywords #Rideaulite, #Niagara II, #Tobermory, #Lake Huron, #Artificial Reef, #Dive Site, #Maritime History, #Great Lakes Shipwrecks, #Sand Dredge