IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The McArthur was a wooden-hulled tugboat, also known as a towboat, built in 1877 for the Collins Bay Rafting Co. in Kingston, Ontario. Tugboats like the McArthur played a crucial role in the logging and shipbuilding industries along the Great Lakes, assisting in the movement of large rafts of timber, towing other vessels, and performing various support operations.
HISTORY
The McArthur was constructed by George Chaffey & Brothers in Portsmouth, Ontario, and began its service as a tug for the Collins Bay Rafting Co. The vessel was equipped with a single screw propulsion system and served primarily in and around Kingston, Ontario, on Lake Ontario.
On April 25, 1890, the McArthur was engaged in raising machinery from the wreck of the steamer Armstrong in Collins Bay. Shortly after completing this task, the tug caught fire and burned to the water’s edge. The fire resulted in the loss of the valuable machinery, estimated at $25,000, and inflicted a significant financial loss on the vessel’s principal owner, W. Leslie. The McArthur itself was valued between $15,000 and $18,000 and was insured, though the machinery was not.
FINAL DISPOSITION
After the fire, the remains of the McArthur were taken to Davis Dry-dock, where salvage operations removed the shaft, wheels, and other machinery from the wreck. There were considerations to convert the hull into a barge, but these plans were not fully realized. The salvaged machinery was transported to Collins Bay by the schooner Philo Bennett and was intended for use in the construction of a new steel tug by the Collins Bay Rafting Company during the following winter.
The McArthur’s unfortunate destruction marked the end of its service, but the legacy of the vessel lived on through the reuse of its salvaged components in new construction efforts.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to the wreck of the McArthur, but the site may still be of interest to local historians and divers.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The specific details of the discovery of the wreck site or whether the remains are still visible are not provided. However, the site in Collins Bay, near Kingston, may still attract attention from divers and researchers interested in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The McArthur was largely destroyed by fire, leaving minimal remains that might still be visible at the wreck site in Collins Bay. Any remaining wreckage would likely be scattered and submerged, with potential accessibility depending on local conditions. Divers interested in exploring the area should be cautious and mindful of the historical significance of the site.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – McArthur: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – Tug McArthur: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- Kingston Diving Sites: Kingston Scuba Diving
KEYWORDS
- McArthur, Tugboat, Collins Bay, Kingston, Lake Ontario, Fire, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Salvage.
ANALYSIS The loss of the McArthur tugboat in 1890 highlights the hazards faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. The fire that consumed the tug not only marked the end of its service but also resulted in significant financial losses for its owner. Despite the tragedy, the salvage of the vessel’s machinery and its subsequent use in the construction of a new steel tug demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness of the shipbuilding industry at the time. The site in Collins Bay may still hold historical significance for those interested in the maritime history of the Kingston area.
