IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The HIAWATHA, later renamed Cabotia in 1913, was a propeller-driven freighter constructed with robust dimensions and a powerful compound engine. It was designed primarily for the transport of bulk goods such as ore and grain. The vessel’s design featured two Scotch boilers, contributing to its substantial power and efficiency in navigating the Great Lakes’ demanding conditions.
HISTORY: #
The HIAWATHA began its service in 1880, initially towing the barge MINNEHAHA in the ore trade between Lake Superior and Lake Erie ports. Registered under Canada number 133852, the ship played a significant role in transporting grain from Duluth, Minnesota, to Buffalo, New York, and connecting ore trade routes between Two Harbors and the lower lakes. Over the years, the ship changed ownership multiple times, being associated with notable figures and companies in the shipping industry, such as Wellington A. Burt, C.H. Lane, Martha Simpson, J.C. Gilchrist, Lake Shore Transit Company, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Cabotia Steam Ship Company, Canadian Shipping Company, and the George Hall Coal Company. The vessel was renamed Cabotia after it was acquired by the Cabotia Steam Ship Company in 1913.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Cabotia met its tragic end on August 27, 1919, when it was stranded near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel eventually broke in two and was declared a total loss. Despite attempts to salvage what remained, very little was recovered, leading to the abandonment of the wreck in 1921.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Cabotia. However, mariners and divers should always consult the latest local advisories and NOTMARs for the area before planning any activities near the wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The exact date of the wreck’s discovery and the identity of those who located it are not provided in the text. This information may be updated as new data becomes available.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
KEYWORDS: #
HIAWATHA, Cabotia, Freighter, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Salvage, Ore Trade, Grain Transport, Propeller Ship, Wellington A. Burt, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Canadian Shipping Company, George Hall Coal Company, 1919 Shipwreck
ANALYSIS: #
The Cabotia represents a significant example of Great Lakes shipping history, particularly in the transition from wooden schooners to more robust, steam-powered freighters designed for bulk cargo. Its multiple ownership changes and eventual demise near Main Duck Island highlight the challenges of early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. The scattered remains and limited salvage efforts reflect the difficulties faced in the preservation of such wrecks. Continuous monitoring of resources like the Maritime History of the Great Lakes and updates from sites like Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston are crucial for uncovering new information about this and other shipwrecks.
