#
ELEANOR, while towing two coal barges, encountered a perilous situation as it sprung a leak and sank in 100 feet of water off Pigeon Island. The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of the tug, valued at $2,000, with no insurance coverage. Fortunately, the crew members were able to escape unharmed.
The ELEANOR, also known as ELEANORA, had a significant history in the Port of Kingston. Built in 1866 at Bedford Mills, Ontario, the tugboat was constructed using wood and measured 47 feet in length, 10.3 feet in beam, and 6.8 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 22 tons and a net tonnage of 7 tons. John Chaffey served as the original owner and the vessel was masterfully crafted by W. Guthrie.
Tragically, on May 14, 1891, the ELEANOR met its untimely end near Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario. While towing two barges, the tugboat experienced a leak that ultimately led to its sinking. As a result, the vessel’s registration was closed on December 31, 1891.
The historical records from the National Archives of Canada provide additional details about the ELEANOR. It was classified as a steam tug with a length of 47 feet, a breadth of 10.3 feet, and a depth of 6.8 feet amidships. The vessel had a rounded stern, was carvel-built, and featured a single deck. The engine room measured 19 feet and 4/10ths in length and weighed 12 tons.
Throughout its ownership history, the ELEANOR changed hands several times. John Chaffey, the initial owner, sold the tug to J. Francis Swift of Kingston on August 2, 1879. Subsequently, Charles Gildersleeve of Kingston acquired the vessel on August 2, 1887.
Notations on the vessel’s records indicate that it underwent remeasurement in June 1877. The gross tonnage was adjusted to 25 tons, with deductions of 18 tons. The resulting register tonnage was recorded as 7 tons. Additional details included the dimensions of the vessel’s interior, such as the length of 47 feet and the breadth of 9 feet at 2/5ths amidships. The hull had a tonnage of 22 tons, while the engine room weighed 12 tons.
Sadly, the sinking of the ELEANOR in Lake Ontario marked the end of its maritime journey, and its registration was officially closed on December 31, 1891.
