SCOTIA: Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: SCOTIA

Type: Propeller Vessel (converted to a Barge in 1889)

Year Built: 1871

Builder: Lewis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario

Dimensions (Post-Rebuild):

•Length: 144 feet (43.89 meters)

•Width: 26 feet (7.92 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.66 meters)

Tonnage: 458 gross tons (post-Rebuild)

Depth at Wreck Site: 10 feet (3.05 meters)

Location: Near Marysville, Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario

Coordinates: Not provided

Vessel Type Description

The SCOTIA began its life as a wooden propeller-driven cargo ship in 1871, constructed by the prominent shipbuilder Lewis Shickluna. Known for its sturdy design and large capacity, it initially served as a general cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, playing a crucial role in transporting goods such as coal, Railroad Iron, and merchandise. In 1889, reflecting shifting industry demands, the vessel was converted into a Barge, marking a transition in its use from self-propelled cargo transport to a support role in towing and coal bunkering.

History

Construction and Early Service

•Built in 1871 in St. Catharines, Ontario, the SCOTIA was designed for Great Lakes shipping.

•Originally 144 feet in length, the wooden-hulled vessel was launched as a part of Merchant’s Line, contributing to the regional trade network.

•By 1877, it was listed with a Gross Tonnage of 624 tons, serving ports like Montreal, Buffalo, and Chicago.

Notable Incidents

•1879 Fire: While docked in Chicago, the SCOTIA sustained significant damage from a fire. Repairs enabled it to return to service.

•1889 Rebuild: Converted to a Barge, its dimensions and tonnage were adjusted, reflecting a shift in utility toward stationary and towing purposes.

Final Years

•In its later years, the SCOTIA served as a coal bunker in Marysville, Wolfe Island.

•By 1895, it was deemed unserviceable, Abandoned, and broken apart.

Final Disposition

The SCOTIA rests in shallow waters near Marysville, Wolfe Island, at a depth of 10 feet (3.05 meters). Its remains, broken and silt-covered, serve as a historical artifact. The 2008 survey by Ben Ford from Texas A&M documented the wreck’s condition, highlighting its contribution to maritime history and offering insights into its final state.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The SCOTIA is heavily silted and fragmented due to its shallow resting place. Despite this, key structural features may still be observed.

•Accessibility: The wreck is located at a diveable depth of 10 feet, ideal for recreational and historical divers. Its shallow waters make it vulnerable to sediment shifts, but Visibility can be favorable.

Resources & Links

•Divehub.ca: Dive information for wrecks near Wolfe Island, including SCOTIA.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical vessel records and data.

•Ben Ford Survey, 2008: Detailed analysis and survey of SCOTIA’s wreck.

•Lewis Shickluna Archives: Resources on shipbuilding in St. Catharines.

Tags

SCOTIA | Wolfe Island Shipwreck | Lake Ontario Barge | Great Lakes Maritime History | Lewis Shickluna Shipbuilding | Coal Bunker Barge | Ben Ford Survey | 19th-Century Shipwreck

Conclusion

The SCOTIA encapsulates the evolution of maritime utility on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its transformation from a self-propelled cargo vessel to a Barge reflects broader industrial shifts. Despite its abandonment in 1895, the wreck remains a valuable site for understanding the lifecycle of Great Lakes vessels. With surveys like that of Ben Ford shedding light on its condition, the SCOTIA serves as both a historical marker and a fascinating dive destination for maritime enthusiasts.