Wreck Report: Steamer ELLA ROSS (formerly GIPSEY)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: ELLA ROSS (formerly GIPSEY)
• Type: Paddlewheel Passenger Steamer (Sidewheel Steamer)
• Year Built: 1879
• Builder: William Webster, Montreal, Canada
• Home Ports: Kingston (initially), later Deseronto, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 99 feet (30 meters) Breadth: 19 feet (5.8 meters) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 325 tons
• Engine: Horizontal low-pressure engine, 85 horsepower, built in Kingston
• Official Number: 77589

History

The Steamer GIPSEY was launched in 1879, designed for passenger and cargo travel on rivers and bays in Ontario, Canada. Originally owned by J. D. Murphy of Toronto, the vessel was classified as A1, signifying its quality and seaworthiness. The Steamer operated routes between Kingston and Toronto, connecting communities along Lake Ontario and Rideau Canal.

In 1887, the vessel was purchased by Captain W. Garrett of Smith’s Falls and renamed ELLA ROSS. It became a key transport link between Montreal, Kingston, and Ottawa, frequently navigating the Rideau Canal and adjacent waterways. Subsequent ownership included the Rathbun Company and Deseronto Navigation Co., reflecting the vessel’s evolving role in regional transport.

The ELLA ROSS was a favoured Steamer for passenger travel, known for its picturesque routes and reliable service.Over the years, the vessel’s structure and machinery aged, though it continued to serve well into the early 20th century.

The Tragic End

On June 5, 1912, the ELLA ROSS met a devastating fate while docked at the Parry Sound Wharf. A sudden fire engulfed the vessel, and despite efforts to save it, the Steamer was completely destroyed.

Loss Details:

• The fire caused a Total Loss estimated at $6,000, which included the vessel and remaining onboard equipment.
• Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the incident.
• The wreck was left at the Parry Sound wharf, Abandoned and deteriorating over time.

Current Condition & Wreckage

The remains of the ELLA ROSS rest at Parry Sound Wharf, largely decayed due to exposure and neglect.

Condition: Only fragments of the wooden Hull may remain, buried under sediment or hidden among wharf debris. The once-powerful Paddlewheel and engine were likely salvaged or lost to the elements.

Accessibility: The site, though historically significant, is not a prominent diving destination due to its deteriorated state and location near an active harbor area.

Legacy

Despite its tragic end, the ELLA ROSS holds a significant place in Ontario’s maritime history.

Cultural Impact: The Steamer symbolized the importance of waterborne transportation in connecting communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its scenic voyages along the Rideau Canal and other waterways contributed to tourism and regional economic growth.

Historical Preservation:

While the physical wreck has deteriorated, historical accounts ensure the vessel’s story endures as part of Canada’s maritime heritage.

Tags ELLA ROSS GIPSEY Parry Sound Wharf Rideau Canal 19th-Century Paddlewheel Steamers Lake Ontario Wrecks Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The ELLA ROSS was more than a vessel—it was a vital link between towns and cities, carrying passengers and goods across the scenic waterways of Ontario. Its destruction at Parry Sound in 1912 marked the end of an era for this Paddlewheel Steamer, yet its story continues to resonate as a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of 19th-century maritime transport. Although its wreck is now a relic of the past, the legacy of the ELLA ROSS lives on in the annals of Canada’s rich maritime history.