Imperial Lachine (1947); Niagara; W.M. Edington; Niagara; Rideaulite (1930)
Site Description
- Sand Sucker
- 100ffw 33m
- 182ft Length
- Tobermory, Lake Huron
- N 45 15.052 W 081 36.030
The Rideaulite, also known by several other names throughout its history, was a tank vessel built in 1930. It was originally constructed in Haverton Hill-On-Tees, United Kingdom, by the Furness Shipbuilding Co. The vessel, made of steel, had the hull number 174. The Rideaulite was commissioned by Imperial Oil Ltd and served as a tank vessel. However, it also had additional uses as a barge and a dredge.
The propulsion of the Rideaulite was provided by a screw, and it featured a triple expansion engine with cylinders measuring 13 1/2 inches, 22 inches, and 37 inches in diameter, respectively, with a stroke of 27 inches. This engine, built in 1930 by NE Marine Engineering Co, provided a total of 650 horsepower.
With a length of 175 feet, a beam of 35.2 feet, and a depth of 12.9 feet, the Rideaulite had a gross tonnage of 723 and a net tonnage of 343.
The vessel underwent several ownership changes and name variations throughout its lifespan. Initially owned by Imperial Oil Co in 1930, it was later renamed Imperial Lachine in 1947. In 1954, ownership was transferred to Holden Sand & Gravel Ltd, and the vessel was converted into a self-unloading sand dredge, receiving the name Niagara. Further ownership changes occurred in 1968, when McNamara Marine Ltd took over, followed by Federal Equipment Quebec Ltd in 1969. Ontario-Lake Eire Sand Ltd became the new owner in the same year, and the vessel was renamed W.M. Edington.
In 1972, the Rideaulite underwent a significant upgrade with the installation of a 12-cylinder, 635-horsepower diesel engine manufactured by Caterpillar Tractor Co. The vessel’s ownership transferred to McKeil Marine Ltd in 1984, and it was given the name Niagara II. In 1990, the Rideaulite was converted into a barge.
On May 15, 1999, the Rideaulite found its final resting place as a dive site off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario. It sank intentionally, serving as a destination for divers and enthusiasts exploring the underwater world.
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