IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Robert McDonald was originally built as a wooden schooner-barge in 1890 in Picton, Ontario. The vessel underwent significant changes throughout its operational life, including a conversion to a steam-powered tugboat in 1907. The schooner-barge was equipped with a single deck and initially served in the grain trade and other cargo transportation roles before its transformation into a tugboat.
HISTORY: #
The Robert McDonald had a dynamic history marked by multiple ownership changes and rebuilds. The vessel was initially owned by Hyatt, McDonald & Matthews, a partnership that oversaw the ship’s operations from July 22, 1892. By June 16, 1899, ownership had passed to J.W. Hyatt and Alonzo Matthews, with Alonzo Matthews becoming the sole owner on January 14, 1902. The vessel was primarily registered in Charlotte, Ontario, during these years.
On October 27, 1906, ownership of the Robert McDonald transferred to Stirling Orr and J. Eves, based in Kingston, Ontario. In 1907, the ship underwent a significant rebuild that transformed it from a schooner-barge into a tugboat. The reconstructed vessel had updated dimensions of 96 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, and 6 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 97 and a net tonnage of 50.
Despite its transformation, the Robert McDonald continued to face challenges. In 1919, the vessel tragically sank in Picton Harbour, Lake Ontario. After the sinking, the Robert McDonald was abandoned, bringing an end to its active service. The ship had originally been built as a schooner-barge in 1890, and its conversion to steam propulsion in 1907 marked a significant shift in its operational capabilities.
Throughout its existence, the Robert McDonald was involved in various maritime activities, including participating in the grain rush of 1890. The vessel transported Canadian barley to American elevators in Oswego before the McKinley tariff duties came into effect. Despite its relatively modest size, the Robert McDonald made profitable voyages during this period.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Robert McDonald sank in Picton Harbour in 1919. The vessel was abandoned at the site of the sinking, where it remains as a part of Picton’s maritime history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Robert McDonald wreck site. Mariners and divers should be aware of the potential hazards associated with submerged wrecks in Picton Harbour.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Robert McDonald was documented following its sinking in 1919. The vessel is located in Picton Harbour, where it was abandoned after its final incident.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed information on shipwrecks and vessel histories in the Great Lakes region.
- Historical Newspapers: Archival reports detailing the operations, incidents, and final abandonment of the Robert McDonald.
KEYWORDS: #
Robert McDonald, Tugboat, Schooner Barge, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Picton Harbour, Bay of Quinte, 1919 Sinking, Canadian Maritime History.
ANALYSIS: #
The Robert McDonald‘s history reflects the adaptability of vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially built as a schooner-barge, the vessel was later converted into a steam-powered tugboat, demonstrating the evolving needs of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The ship’s final days, culminating in its sinking and abandonment in 1919, underscore the challenges faced by such vessels and their crews. The Robert McDonald remains an important part of Picton’s maritime heritage, serving as a reminder of the area’s rich nautical history.
