IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The ALEXANDRA was a wooden-hulled propeller vessel, built to serve as a coastal steamer. Originally launched in 1902 in Chatham, New Brunswick, this vessel featured two decks and was designed for versatility in transporting both passengers and freight. The ship’s design allowed it to handle a variety of cargos, including livestock and wagons, on its enclosed main deck, while also offering passenger amenities such as a saloon, dining room, and kitchen.
HISTORY: The ALEXANDRA had a rich and varied career, beginning as a coastal steamer on the Atlantic Ocean. It initially operated routes from Chatham to various points along Miramichi Bay, including Newcastle, Loggieville, Escuminac, Baie du Vin, Oak Point, Burnt Church, and Neguac. The vessel was a common sight along these routes, often carrying freight and passengers alike. During the summer months, the ALEXANDRA was known for offering holiday and moonlight excursions, complete with live music, dances, and social events.
In 1924, the vessel was moved to the Great Lakes, where it began operating between Little Current, Killarney, Gore Bay, and Cutler, Ontario. The ALEXANDRA’s role on the Great Lakes was an extension of its earlier services, providing critical transport and connectivity to the communities along its routes.
FINAL DISPOSITION: On December 19, 1927, while in winter layup, the ALEXANDRA caught fire in the harbor off the Government Dock in Little Current, Ontario. The blaze consumed the vessel, ultimately causing it to sink in the harbor. The wreck now lies approximately 40 feet from the east end of the Government Dock, at a depth of 30 to 40 feet. Although the fire marked the end of the ALEXANDRA’s service, the remnants of the vessel, including parts of the hull and the boiler, still rest on the lakebed, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the ALEXANDRA. Divers exploring the site should always proceed with caution, keeping in mind the potential hazards of submerged wreckage.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the ALEXANDRA is located at a depth of 30 to 40 feet, approximately 40 feet from the east end of the Government Dock in Little Current, Ontario. The exact date of the wreck’s discovery is not specified, but it has become a noted dive site in the region.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck is relatively shallow, lying in 22 to 40 feet of water, making it accessible for divers of various skill levels. Over the years, the wooden hull has deteriorated, but some parts of the structure, including the boiler, are still identifiable. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history in Georgian Bay.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing: Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- C-3 – Register of Wrecks and Casualties, Inland Waters: C-3 Register
KEYWORDS: ALEXANDRA, ALEXANDRIA, Propeller Vessel, Little Current, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Marine History
CONCLUSION: The ALEXANDRA, also known as ALEXANDRIA, holds an important place in both Atlantic and Great Lakes maritime history. From its construction in Chatham, New Brunswick, to its service on the Great Lakes, and its eventual fiery demise in Little Current, Ontario, the vessel’s story is a testament to the rich heritage of shipbuilding and maritime operations in Canada. Today, the remains of the ALEXANDRA lie beneath the waters of Georgian Bay, offering a tangible link to the past for those who explore its final resting place.
