CATHERINE Steam Yacht

he Catherine was a steam-powered yacht that met a tragic end in the late 19th century after a collision with the Steamer St. Lawrence. This unfortunate incident resulted in the sinking of the Catherine, which now lies at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River near the Sunken Rock Light. Discovered in the 1970s, the wreck of the Catherine offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the region and serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating these waters over a century ago.

Construction and Specifications #

The Catherine was a steam yacht, a type of vessel commonly used for leisure and transportation in the late 19th century. Measuring 50 feet in length, the yacht was relatively small but well-suited for private use or short-distance travel on the rivers and lakes of North America. Powered by a steam engine, the Catherine represented the technological advancements of the time, offering a combination of elegance and efficiency for its owners.

The Tragic Collision and Sinking #

In 1890, the Catherine was involved in a tragic accident that led to its sinking. While navigating the waters of the St. Lawrence River, the Catherine collided with the Steamer St. Lawrence. The impact of the collision proved catastrophic for the smaller vessel, and it quickly sank to the depths of the river.

The exact details of the collision, such as the circumstances leading up to the incident and the actions taken by the crews of both vessels, remain largely undocumented. However, the sinking of the Catherine stands as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in navigating busy waterways, especially during an era when maritime travel was fraught with risks.

Discovery of the Wreck #

The wreck of the Catherine was discovered in the 1970s by divers exploring the waters near Sunken Rock Light, a well-known landmark on the St. Lawrence River. The discovery was significant, as it revealed that the hull of the Catherineremained largely intact despite the passage of time and the harsh underwater environment.

Located at a depth of 65 to 75 feet, the wreck lies within the shipping channel, an area that experiences significant boat traffic. This location adds an element of danger to those wishing to explore the site, as the currents and frequent movement of larger vessels can create challenging conditions for divers.

Current Condition of the Wreck #

The wreck of the Catherine is remarkably well-preserved, with the wooden hull still largely intact and the boiler found in an upright position. Over the years, the wreck has become encrusted with periwinkle shells and zebra mussels, both of which have taken advantage of the sheltered environment provided by the sunken yacht. These invasive species have spread throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, and their presence on the Catherine is a testament to the environmental changes that have occurred in the region since the vessel’s sinking.

The Catherine’s resting place on the riverbed, surrounded by the remnants of its past, offers a unique opportunity for divers and historians to study a piece of 19th-century maritime history. The intact nature of the hull and the presence of the boiler provide valuable insights into the construction and design of steam yachts from this period.

Historical Significance #

While specific details about the Catherine’s construction, ownership, and service history are limited, the vessel’s tragic end and subsequent preservation underwater add to the historical significance of the wreck. The collision with the Steamer St. Lawrence is a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the busy and often treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence River in the late 19th century.

The discovery of the Catherine also contributes to our understanding of the types of vessels that were in use during this period, particularly the steam yachts that were popular among the wealthy for leisure travel and personal transport. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the advancements in maritime technology of the time, as well as the risks that accompanied these developments.

Diving the Wreck #

Diving the wreck of the Catherine is both a challenging and rewarding experience. The site’s location within a busy shipping channel requires divers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times. The currents in the area can be strong, and the frequent passage of large vessels adds to the complexity of the dive.

For those who are able to explore the wreck, the Catherine offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of steam-powered vessels. The intact hull and boiler, combined with the encrustations of marine life, create a compelling underwater scene that is both beautiful and historically significant.

References and Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers detailed historical records and accounts of the Catherine and similar vessels. Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Provides comprehensive documentation of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Catherine.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: A resource dedicated to the preservation of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with information on the Catherine and other notable wrecks. Save Ontario Shipwrecks
• Diver’s Guide to the St. Lawrence River: A guidebook and resource for divers interested in exploring the wreck of the Catherine and other underwater sites in the region. Diver’s Guide