IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Varuna was a wooden screw steamer constructed on Wolfe Island, Ontario, in 1880. With a length of 90 feet and a gross tonnage of 134 tons, the Varuna was specifically designed for general cargo transport on Lake Ontario. The vessel’s screw propulsion system and wooden construction made it a reliable and versatile ship for the time, capable of handling the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. Initially registered in Picton, Ontario, the Varuna quickly became a vital part of the regional maritime trade, serving various owners throughout its operational life.
The Varuna’s history is marked by numerous ownership changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of shipping on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel was first registered on May 20, 1880, in Picton. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, with its ownership being transferred to notable figures such as Thomas J. Porte of Picton in 1888, W.E. VanVlack and William B. Cooper in 1893, and later to Alfred Hicks and Reuben Norcross of Trenton. These changes were typical for vessels of this era, as ownership frequently shifted in response to the economic demands of the maritime industry.
The Varuna continued to serve various owners into the early 20th century, including Quinte Navigation Co., Ltd., and Canada Steamship Lines, which acquired the vessel in 1916. Throughout its long service life, the Varuna was involved in the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario, contributing to the economic development of the region. The vessel’s operational history highlights its adaptability and the importance of wooden screw steamers in supporting the robust trade networks that connected the Great Lakes.
After decades of service, the Varuna was broken up in 1927, marking the end of its active life on Lake Ontario. The dismantling of the vessel was a common fate for many ships of its kind, as newer and more efficient vessels began to dominate the waters. However, the Varuna’s story did not end with its decommissioning. The remains of the vessel now rest at a depth of 70 feet near Snake Island in Lake Ontario, at the coordinates N 44°12.239′ W 76°31.578′. This site has since become a popular dive location, offering a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of a once vital player in the Great Lakes maritime trade.
The final resting place of the Varuna serves as a tangible reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Despite its dismantling nearly a century ago, the wreck continues to attract interest from divers and historians alike, who are eager to learn more about the vessel’s construction and its role in the economic life of the region. The Varuna’s legacy, like that of many other Great Lakes steamers, is preserved not just in records but also in the waters where it once sailed, contributing to our understanding of the evolution of maritime commerce in North America.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the Varuna wreck, but divers should always be cautious of potential hazards such as unstable structures and entanglement risks, typical of wreck diving sites.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Varuna’s wreck location was identified through historical records and local dive explorations. The site is well-documented among the diving community in the Kingston area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The Varuna wreck lies in 70 feet of water, making it accessible to divers with moderate experience. The wooden hull has deteriorated over time, but the site remains a significant point of interest for those exploring the maritime history of Lake Ontario. Divers can observe the remnants of the structure, providing a direct connection to the vessel’s storied past.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Varuna: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – Varuna: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- The Archaeology of Watercraft Abandonment: Watercraft Abandonment
Varuna, Wooden Screw Steamer, Snake Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Canada Steamship Lines
Conclusion #
The Varuna represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, serving various owners and enduring numerous changes over its operational life. From its construction in Wolfe Island to its final scuttling near Snake Island, the Varuna’s history reflects the evolution of shipping and navigation on the Great Lakes. Today, the wreck site offers divers and historians a unique opportunity to explore the remains of a vessel that played a vital role in the region’s maritime heritage. The Varuna’s story, now told through the remnants on the lakebed, continues to captivate those who seek to understand the past through the lens of shipwrecks and underwater exploration.
