1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CITY OF LONDON was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven freighter, designed primarily for the transportation of passengers. Built in 1866 by the prominent shipbuilder L. Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario, the vessel was a significant part of the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, particularly in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. With its robust design, the CITY OF LONDON was intended to withstand the demands of the Great Lakes, serving both commercial and passenger transportation routes.
3. HISTORY #
The CITY OF LONDON was launched in 1866, initially owned by the Northern Transportation Co., and later transferred to the North Shore Transportation Co. in 1869 and 1871. By 1874, ownership had passed to the Canadian Lake Superior Transit Co. The vessel was a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, operating regularly between Chicago and Collingwood.
On August 20, 1874, while navigating Collins Inlet in Georgian Bay, the CITY OF LONDON was tragically engulfed in a catastrophic fire. The blaze resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel, valued at $25,000. The fire claimed the life of a deckhand named Campbell, who perished in the flames, while the passengers narrowly escaped with their lives but lost all their belongings.
Despite reports that the vessel was lost in 1875, it has been confirmed that the fire occurred in 1874. The CITY OF LONDON’s engine, a 30×36 engine built by G. N. Oill in St. Catharines, was salvaged and later installed in another vessel, the CITY OF OWEN SOUND. This loss marked the second vessel lost by the Georgian Bay Transportation Company in two years, highlighting the dangers faced by ships operating in this region.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
After the fire, efforts were made to salvage the CITY OF LONDON. The wrecked hull was raised and towed to Owen Sound by the wrecking tug MARY ANN. The vessel was subsequently sold to Smith & Wyatt of Toronto, who planned to rebuild it. However, the available information does not provide details on whether the reconstruction was completed or if the vessel was ultimately abandoned.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the CITY OF LONDON.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The CITY OF LONDON was raised after the fire and towed to Owen Sound, indicating that the wreck was located and salvaged shortly after the incident. However, the ultimate fate of the vessel following its salvage remains unclear.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the hull of the CITY OF LONDON was raised and towed to Owen Sound, the original wreck site may no longer contain significant remnants of the vessel. If the reconstruction by Smith & Wyatt was unsuccessful, the remnants could potentially be located in or near Owen Sound. The condition of any remaining parts of the CITY OF LONDON is likely poor, considering the fire and the passage of time.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The loss of the CITY OF LONDON is a poignant reminder of the risks associated with maritime travel and transport in the 19th century, particularly in the volatile waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s destruction by fire, coupled with the tragic loss of a crew member, underscores the challenges faced by those who navigated these inland seas. The salvage of the vessel’s engine and hull, as well as the attempted reconstruction, reflects the resilience and determination of the maritime community at the time.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the fact that the CITY OF LONDON’s hull was raised and towed to Owen Sound, the original wreck site in Collins Inlet may not offer significant diving opportunities. However, those interested in the history of the vessel may explore the waters around Owen Sound or consult local maritime records for any remaining traces of the ship. As always, divers should exercise caution and respect for the historical significance of any sites related to the CITY OF LONDON.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- CITY OF LONDON
- Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Propeller-driven Freighter
- Ship Fire
- Wreck Salvage
- Canadian Lake Superior Transit Co.
CONCLUSION #
The CITY OF LONDON’s history is one marked by both service and tragedy. Built in 1866, the vessel played a significant role in the transportation network of the Great Lakes, carrying passengers and cargo across these vital waters. Its destruction by fire in 1874 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by ships of that era. Despite efforts to salvage and potentially rebuild the vessel, the ultimate fate of the CITY OF LONDON remains uncertain. The story of this freighter is a testament to the resilience of the maritime industry and the enduring legacy of the ships that once plied the Great Lakes.
