SCOTIA C88640

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The SCOTIA was originally a propeller-driven vessel built in 1871 by Lewis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. The vessel had a wooden hull and was initially designed for general cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Over its operational life, the SCOTIA underwent significant modifications, including a major rebuild in 1889, which transformed it into a barge. The rebuild resulted in new dimensions and a reduction in the vessel’s gross tonnage.

HISTORY #

The SCOTIA, originally a propeller-driven vessel, was launched in August 1871, built by the renowned shipbuilder Lewis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. At its inception, the vessel was 144 feet long with a wooden hull and designed to transport general cargo across the Great Lakes. Over the years, the SCOTIA became a key player in regional trade routes, ferrying goods such as railroad iron and merchandise between major cities like Montreal, Buffalo, and Chicago.

Under the ownership of prominent individuals like James Norris, the SCOTIA sailed as part of the Merchant’s Line, becoming a workhorse on the lakes. Its tonnage reached 624 tons by 1877, allowing it to carry significant cargoes crucial to the region’s economy. The SCOTIA, however, was not without its challenges. In 1879, a fire in Chicago caused considerable damage, forcing the vessel into a series of repairs and ownership changes.

In 1889, the SCOTIA underwent a major rebuild that transformed it into a barge, reflecting the shifting needs of maritime transport during that era. The rebuild altered its dimensions to 144 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth, reducing its gross tonnage to 458 tons. After conversion, it was primarily used for towing other ships, including the EDWARD BLAKE and the SOUTHAMPTON, and eventually found itself in Kingston, Ontario.

The SCOTIA’s final years saw it put to use as a coal bunker in Marysville, Wolfe Island, marking the end of its operational life. In 1895, after serving its last purpose, the vessel was abandoned and broken up. The wreck remains submerged in shallow waters near Marysville, at a depth of just 10 feet (3.05 meters). This shallow depth makes the site accessible for divers interested in exploring a piece of Great Lakes history.

In 2008, a survey by Ben Ford from Texas A&M provided further insight into the wreck’s condition and location. Despite being heavily impacted by silt and sediment due to its shallow location, the wreck offers a unique opportunity for exploration. Divers visiting the site can get a close look at a vessel that played a critical role in the industrial boom of the 19th century. The SCOTIA’s remains are a testament to the shifting demands of maritime trade and the resilience of Great Lakes shipping.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

Today, the wreck of the SCOTIA rests quietly near Marysville, Wolfe Island, in shallow waters at a depth of around 10 feet. While broken up and partially buried under silt, the wreck is still an intriguing site for those interested in maritime history. The accessibility of the site makes it an ideal dive for history enthusiasts looking to explore the tangible remnants of the Great Lakes’ maritime legacy. The 2008 survey provides valuable insights, helping divers understand the vessel’s layout and history as they explore its remains.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the SCOTIA is located in shallow water near Marysville, Wolfe Island, at a depth of approximately 10 feet. This makes it accessible to divers, though the site may be impacted by silt and sediment, given the shallow depth. The survey conducted by Ben Ford in 2008 provides detailed information on the current condition of the wreck, making it an interesting site for historical exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: Resource for divers exploring wrecks near Wolfe Island, including the SCOTIA.
• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Offers historical data and ship histories, including the SCOTIA.
• Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: Archival footage and photographs documenting wrecks in Lake Ontario, including the SCOTIA.
• Survey by Ben Ford: Detailed survey report by Ben Ford of Texas A&M, providing insights into the wreck’s condition and history.

SCOTIA

Wolfe Island shipwreck

Lake Ontario barge

Great Lakes maritime history

Lewis Shickluna shipbuilding

Coal bunker barge

Marysville wreck

Ben Ford survey

Conclusion #

The SCOTIA serves as an example of the evolution of Great Lakes vessels, from a propeller-driven cargo ship to a barge used for stationary purposes. Built in 1871, the vessel’s transition from active cargo transport to a coal bunker reflects the broader trends in maritime industry during the late 19th century. The SCOTIA’s abandonment at Wolfe Island and subsequent breakup in 1895 marked the end of its service, leaving behind a wreck that provides valuable insights into the shipbuilding practices of the time and the lifecycle of Great Lakes vessels.

The survey conducted by Ben Ford in 2008 has enhanced our understanding of the SCOTIA’s final resting place, offering a detailed look at the condition of the wreck and its historical significance. For divers and maritime historians, the SCOTIA represents an accessible and intriguing site, showcasing the remnants of a once-active Great Lakes vessel.