IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The North King was initially launched as the Norseman in 1864, a propeller vessel built in St. Catharines, Ontario. After several rebuilds and modifications, including its conversion into a steam barge, the North King served various purposes, such as transporting grain and participating in the Lake Superior North Shore trade. The ship was eventually reduced to a steam barge and saw its final days of service before being scrapped in 1922.
HISTORY
The North King had a storied history, beginning as the Norseman, a propeller vessel launched in 1864. The ship was rebuilt several times, with significant changes made to its structure and function. In 1868, the vessel was re-registered in Kingston, Ontario, as the North King, a wooden-hulled paddle steamer. The ship was originally 175 feet long, with a beam of 48 feet and a depth of 10 feet. It underwent a major rebuilding in 1891 in Kingston, which significantly altered its tonnage and structure.
The North King operated in various trades throughout its lifetime, including the grain trade and the Lake Superior North Shore trade. It was also converted into a bulk freighter at one point before being reverted to a steam barge. Despite several incidents, including a minor collision with another vessel named the Maynard, the North King continued to serve until it was scrapped in 1922.
The ship was eventually scuttled in 1912 due to its age and deteriorating condition. It was later broken up in 1917.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck of the North King lies in Collins Bay, Ontario, at a depth of 175 feet. Only portions of the wreck, ranging from 15 to 30 feet in length, remain visible, with the rest of the ship having been broken up or lost over time. The site offers a unique diving experience, particularly for those interested in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to the wreck of the North King, but divers should be aware of potential hazards such as cold water, strong currents, and limited visibility at the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The specific details of the discovery and documentation of the North King’s wreck site are not provided, but it is a known location among local divers and historians interested in the maritime history of Lake Ontario.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of the North King is in a fragmented state, with only parts of the vessel remaining visible at the site. The depth of 175 feet makes this site more suitable for experienced divers, particularly those with technical diving certification. The cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario help preserve what remains of the wooden hull, but the wreck is in an advanced state of deterioration.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – North King: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – North King: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- Collins Bay Dive Sites:
KEYWORDS
- North King, Steam Barge, Collins Bay, Lake Ontario, Norseman, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Scuttled Wreck, Technical Diving.
ANALYSIS The North King, with its extensive history of rebuilds and repurposing, is a fascinating example of the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The wreck, though fragmented, offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region and the types of vessels that played a vital role in the trade and transport along Lake Ontario. Divers exploring the site will not only witness the remnants of a once-formidable steam barge but also connect with the broader narrative of industrial and maritime evolution in Ontario.
