ELEANOR (1866)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Name: ELEANOR (also known as ELEANORA) Type: Wooden Steam Tugboat Location: Off Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario Coordinates: Exact coordinates are not widely documented. Depth: The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 100 feet (30 meters).

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The ELEANOR was a wooden steam tugboat, built in 1866 at Bedford Mills, Ontario. The vessel measured 47 feet (14.3 meters) in length, 10.3 feet (3.1 meters) in beam, and 6.8 feet (2.1 meters) in depth. With a gross tonnage of 22 tons and a net tonnage of 7 tons, the ELEANOR was a small but vital part of the maritime operations around Kingston. Steam tugs like the ELEANOR were essential for towing barges, assisting larger ships in docking, and navigating through narrow or treacherous waters. The vessel was carvel-built with a rounded stern and featured a single deck. The engine room, weighing 12 tons, measured 19.4 feet (5.9 meters) in length.

HISTORY: #

The ELEANOR was constructed in 1866 by W. Guthrie, commissioned by its original owner, John Chaffey. The tug operated primarily out of Kingston, Ontario, playing a crucial role in the transport and towing operations on Lake Ontario. The vessel changed ownership several times throughout its operational life. On August 2, 1879, J. Francis Swift of Kingston purchased the ELEANOR from Chaffey, and later, on August 2, 1887, Charles Gildersleeve of Kingston became its owner.

The tug was remeasured in June 1877, adjusting its gross tonnage to 25 tons, with deductions bringing the register tonnage to 7 tons. These adjustments were recorded in the vessel’s documentation, along with detailed measurements of the interior.

Tragically, on May 14, 1891, while towing two coal barges near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario, the ELEANOR encountered a perilous situation when it sprung a leak. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the tug sank in 100 feet of water. The crew members managed to escape unharmed, but the tug, valued at $2,000, was lost with no insurance coverage. The incident marked the end of the ELEANOR’s service, and its registration was officially closed on December 31, 1891.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The wreck of the ELEANOR now lies in 100 feet (30 meters) of water off Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario. The exact location is not widely documented, but the site is known among local divers and historians. Given the depth and the vessel’s construction, the wreck may still retain some of its structure, though it is likely to be in a deteriorated state due to the passage of time.

The sinking of the ELEANOR is a significant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history, particularly in the Kingston area. The vessel’s story is a reminder of the challenges faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes and the often perilous conditions they encountered.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

Divers interested in exploring the site should check for any Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or local advisories before attempting a dive. Given the depth and the potential for strong currents, it is recommended that only experienced divers explore the wreck. Proper safety measures, including the use of dive flags and surface markers, are crucial due to the presence of boat traffic in the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

The sinking of the ELEANOR is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, particularly for the Kingston area. The wreck serves as a historical artifact, preserving the story of a small but significant steam tug that played an essential role in the region’s maritime activities.