IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
This unnamed vessel, part of the “Maplenamed” series and nicknamed the “Titanic,” was a steamer with a bulk propeller, likely involved in the Great Lakes trade. The specific dimensions and construction details of the vessel are not provided, but its inclusion in the Amherst Island Graveyard suggests it was a large, significant vessel similar to others that were part of the 1925 Inner Harbour clean-up effort.
HISTORY #
The vessel, like others in the “Maplenamed” series, served in the Great Lakes, most likely under the ownership of Canada Steamship Lines. Given its nickname “Titanic,” it is possible that the vessel was either particularly large or notable in some other way, potentially reminiscent of the famous ocean liner in size or importance within the fleet. However, there are no records of it experiencing a catastrophe similar to the actual Titanic; the name may have been given as a nickname by those familiar with the vessel.
The unnamed vessel was eventually laid up in Kingston Inner Harbour and became part of the 1925 clean-up operation that sought to remove obsolete and derelict vessels from the harbor. It was scuttled in the Amherst Island Graveyard along with several other vessels, marking the end of its service life.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The vessel was scuttled at the coordinates provided within the Amherst Island Graveyard, a known site for the disposal of retired ships. Its final resting place is among other vessels that were part of the Kingston Harbour clean-up.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck lies within the Amherst Island Graveyard at the specified coordinates. The condition of the wreck is not detailed, but it is accessible to divers familiar with the area. As part of a larger graveyard, the site may present challenges such as debris, limited visibility, and the potential for entanglement. Divers should exercise caution and be aware of the complex environment that this graveyard represents.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: A resource for divers interested in exploring the Amherst Island Graveyard.
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Provides historical data and ship histories relevant to vessels like this unnamed steamer.
- Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: An archival project featuring footage and photographs of wrecks, including those in the Amherst Island Graveyard.
- Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: A photographic archive showcasing shipwrecks in Lake Ontario.
KEYWORDS #
- Maplenamed Vessel
- Titanic
- Amherst Island Graveyard
- Kingston Harbour clean-up
- Great Lakes shipwrecks
- Lake Ontario diving
- Scuttled vessels
- Canada Steamship Lines
ANALYSIS #
The unnamed “Titanic” vessel serves as a representative of the many ships that reached the end of their operational life and were scuttled as part of the 1925 Kingston Harbour clean-up. The nickname “Titanic” suggests that this vessel may have held some particular significance or size within its fleet, leading those familiar with it to draw a comparison to the famous ocean liner. The scuttling of such vessels in the Amherst Island Graveyard reflects the broader maritime practices of the early 20th century, where aging ships were deliberately sunk to clear space in busy harbors.
Today, the wreck offers a historical exploration opportunity, though its exact story remains somewhat mysterious due to the lack of specific records. Divers who explore the Amherst Island Graveyard will find not only this vessel but a collection of others that together paint a picture of the region’s rich maritime history.
