FRONTENAC C111767

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Frontenac was a wooden screw steamer tugboat built in 1901 by the Calvin Company at Garden Island, Ontario. The vessel was specifically designed for towing large rafts of square timber, a crucial part of the timber trade in the early 20th century. The Frontenac was sturdy and capable of handling the heavy loads required for this purpose, which contributed to its significant role in the industry.

The Frontenac was a wooden vessel launched in 1901, initially serving the Calvin Company during a time when the timber trade was booming in Canada. Over the years, the vessel transitioned from timber transportation to salvage and towing operations, reflecting the changing economic conditions of the early 20th century. The Frontenac had a significant role in the maritime activities of the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Ontario, until its untimely sinking in 1929 near Main Duck Island.

Construction and Early Service #

Launched in 1901, the Frontenac was built to serve the needs of the Calvin Company, a key player in the timber trade. The company operated a fleet of vessels dedicated to transporting timber from the dense forests of Ontario to Garden Island. There, the timber would be assembled into rafts and floated down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, where it would be loaded onto ships bound for Britain.

During the early 1900s, the timber trade was a significant industry in Canada, and vessels like the Frontenac were essential in maintaining the flow of timber from the interior to the coast. The Frontenac played a crucial role in this process, helping to transport the raw materials that would fuel the construction and industrialization of Britain.

Transition to Salvage and Towing #

As the timber trade began to decline, so too did the fortunes of the Calvin Company. By the onset of World War I, the company had gone out of business, a victim of the changing economic landscape and the depletion of accessible timber resources. In 1912, the Frontenac was acquired by the Donnelly Salvage and Wrecking Company. Under this new ownership, the vessel’s role shifted dramatically. No longer transporting timber, the Frontenac was now engaged in salvage operations and towing, a testament to its versatility and durability.

For nearly two decades, the Frontenac served as a salvage tug, responding to the needs of the Great Lakes’ maritime industry. The vessel was involved in numerous salvage operations, helping to recover goods and ships lost to the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario and beyond. The Frontenac became a familiar sight along the lakes, known for its reliability and the skill of its crew in handling difficult salvage missions.

Final Voyage and Tragic End #

The final chapter of the Frontenac’s history began in the spring of 1929, when it was sold to Sin-Mac Lines. Later that year, on December 11 or 12, the vessel embarked on what would be its last voyage. Alongside another tug, the Rival, the Frontenac set out to assist the grounded freighter Sarniadoe. However, the mission quickly became perilous as the tugs encountered heavy seas.

As the weather worsened, both vessels were forced to turn back. The Frontenac, struggling against the harsh conditions, began to take on water near Main Duck Island. Distress signals were sent out, and the Rival responded quickly, managing to rescue the crew. Despite these efforts, the Frontenac could not withstand the onslaught of the storm. The vessel eventually sank, its remains settling at a depth of 100 feet (33 meters).

Final Disposition #

The Frontenac now rests on the bottom of Lake Ontario, a silent witness to the dangers that have always accompanied maritime life on the Great Lakes. Despite a complete refit in the previous year, the wooden hull of the Frontenac proved vulnerable to the severe weather conditions it faced on that fateful night. The sinking of the Frontenac marked the end of a vessel that had served multiple roles in its lifetime, from the transportation of timber to the salvage of other ships. While the crew was saved, the loss of the Frontenac was a significant event in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Frontenac wreck site. However, divers should always check for the latest advisories when planning to explore the site, especially considering the wreck’s depth and potential hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The Frontenac along with the SM Douglas were located by Luc Potion of U Catch ’em Charters of Amherst Island in the early 1990’s

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lake
• Northern Tech Diver Multi Media
• Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston: POW Kingston
• Shotline Diving Site Map of the Frontenac: Available from Cary Baker and NTDMM @2000.

Frontenac, Tugboat, Wooden Screw Steamer, Garden Island, Calvin Company, Donnelly Salvage, Sin-Mac Lines, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1929 Shipwreck.

Conclusion #

The Frontenac‘s story reflects the evolution and eventual decline of the timber trade in the Great Lakes region. It also highlights the perils faced by vessels operating in Lake Ontario, particularly during the harsh winter months. The loss of the Frontenac underscores the challenges of maritime operations during this period and adds to the rich tapestry of shipwrecks that narrate the history of the Great Lakes.