Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Water Lily

•Type: Propeller Vessel (later converted to a Barge)

•Location: Behind Kingston Psychiatric Hospital (KPH), Lake Ontario

•GPS Coordinates: N 44°12.468’ W 76°31.535’

•Depth: 65 feet (20 meters)

•Length: 92 feet (28 meters)

•Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

•Depth (Hull): 6 feet (1.8 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 97 tons

•Year Built: 1870

•Builder: Picton, Ontario

•Official Number: 94923

Vessel Type Description

The Water Lily was initially a steambarge, purpose-built for the transportation of cargo on the Great Lakes. With its wooden Hull, modest size, and robust construction, the vessel was ideal for carrying goods such as lumber, railway ties, peas, and apples across key waterways including the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, and Lake Ontario. Over its operational life, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds, adapting to evolving roles, and eventually served as a Barge.

History

Construction and Early Service (1870-1880s)

The Water Lily was launched on October 11, 1870, from Brewers Mills near Kingston, Ontario, for Fraser & George of Kingston. Shortly after, it was sold to George Davidson in 1871. It quickly became a well-known vessel in the shipping lanes of eastern Ontario, frequently seen hauling cargo along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.

The steambarge faced several challenges in its early years, including:

•1886: A tragic accident during a stop in Ottawa resulted in a deckhand’s death after a pile of ties fell on him.

•1887: The vessel sank in the Rideau Canal but was later raised and repaired.

Rebuilds and Later Service (1890s-1930s)

•1891: The vessel underwent its first significant Rebuild under the ownership of A.W. Hepburn of Picton, Ontario, with upgrades to its Hull and superstructure.

•1916: The Water Lily was shortened to 97 feet during another major Rebuild.

•1920: A final Rebuild in Picton extended its service life, although by this time it had transitioned to less demanding roles in cargo transportation.

Ownership over the years included:

•Ontario & Quebec Navigation Company (1905)

•Canadian Steamship Lines (CSL) (1914)

Despite its robust service record, the Water Lily was officially retired in the 1930s, removed from the Canadian registry in 1938, and scuttled near Kingston Psychiatric Hospital (KPH).

Final Disposition

•Scuttling Location: Behind Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, Lake Ontario.

•Scuttling Purpose: Deliberately sunk as part of a common practice to dispose of aging, unseaworthy vessels in the early 20th century. The scuttling site was known as a dumping ground for obsolete ships, possibly for Breakwater use or shelter from storms.

•Date of Scuttling: Around 1938, coinciding with its removal from the Canadian registry.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Wreck Status: The Water Lily lies in 65 feet (20 meters) of water. The wooden Hull is in a deteriorated state but retains significant features, making it a point of interest for divers and historians.

•Accessibility: The wreck is accessible to divers with moderate experience. Care should be taken due to potential structural instability and entanglement risks.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck, but divers should proceed with caution due to its location and condition.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

•Wrecksite Database

Conclusion

The Water Lily epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the working vessels of the Great Lakes during its 70 years of service. From its role as a cargo steambarge to its eventual Conversion and scuttling, the vessel reflects the lifecycle of ships in an era of rapid industrialization and economic growth. Its final resting place near Kingston Psychiatric Hospital serves as both a historical marker and an underwater attraction, preserving the memory of a vessel that once contributed to the thriving trade networks of Ontario’s waterways.

Keywords

Water Lily, Steambarge, Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, KPH, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes Maritime History, Scuttled Ship, 19th-Century Vessel.