IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: EMPRESS (formerly known as NEW ERA)
- Type: Sidewheeler Steamer
- Location: Garden Island, Lake Ontario
- GPS Coordinates: Not specifically provided, but near Garden Island
- Depth: 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 meters)
- Length: 172 feet (52.4 meters)
SITE DESCRIPTION
The wreck of the sidewheeler steamer EMPRESS lies in shallow water near Garden Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck sits at a depth ranging between 10 and 30 feet, making it easily accessible to divers of all levels. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore a 19th-century steamship that played a significant role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY
The EMPRESS, originally named NEW ERA, was constructed in 1848 by George Thurston in Kingston, Ontario. The vessel was designed as a river steamer, with a burden of 432 tons, and was valued at around $15,000. The EMPRESS was powered by a vertical beam engine with sidewheels, a common propulsion method for steamers of that era. The ship measured 172 feet in length, with a beam of 23 feet and a depth of 9 feet, giving it a gross tonnage of 263 tons.
Throughout its operational life, the EMPRESS served various routes, including the Canada Mail Line between Montreal and Kingston. The vessel encountered several incidents during its service, such as sinking at Gallops Rapids in 1856, breaking a shaft on Lake Ontario in 1858, and colliding with the PASSPORT near Kingston in 1862. Despite these challenges, the EMPRESS continued to operate, undergoing repairs and modifications as needed.
Tragedy struck on March 18, 1868, when the EMPRESS caught fire while docked in Kingston. The fire resulted in the complete loss of the vessel, reducing it to a charred hull. The remains of the steamer, including its engines, boilers, and other equipment, were sold at auction in May 1868 for $1,167.50. However, the story of the EMPRESS did not end there. In October 1870, the damaged hull was raised, refloated, and towed to Garden Island, where it was ultimately scuttled.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The EMPRESS was scuttled near Garden Island in 1870, where its remains have rested ever since. The shallow depth of the wreck, combined with its historical significance, makes it an interesting site for both recreational divers and maritime historians.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the EMPRESS wreck, but as always, divers should be cautious when exploring wrecks, particularly those in shallow water where currents and visibility can vary.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of the EMPRESS has been known to local divers and maritime historians for some time, particularly given its accessible location near Garden Island. The scuttling of the vessel in 1870 marks its final chapter after a long and eventful operational history.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of the EMPRESS lies in shallow water, making it accessible to divers of all skill levels. The remains of the hull, sidewheels, and other structural elements can still be observed, offering a unique glimpse into the construction and operation of sidewheeler steamers from the mid-19th century. The site is suitable for educational dives, underwater photography, and historical research.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – EMPRESS: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – EMPRESS: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- The Archaeology of Watercraft Abandonment: Watercraft Abandonment
KEYWORDS
- EMPRESS, NEW ERA, Sidewheeler, Steamer, Garden Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Fire.
ANALYSIS The EMPRESS serves as a significant artifact of the 19th-century steamship era on the Great Lakes. Its operational history is marked by a series of challenges, including fires, collisions, and mechanical failures, which were common risks for vessels of that time. The wreck’s final resting place near Garden Island offers a valuable window into the past, providing insights into the construction, propulsion, and operational challenges faced by sidewheel steamers. The EMPRESS’s story, from its construction in Kingston to its final scuttling, reflects the dynamic and often perilous nature of maritime transport during the period.
