IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Prince Edward Ferry was originally constructed in Deseronto, Ontario, in 1885. It was a catamaran-built wooden steamer powered by a sidewheel propulsion system. The ferry was equipped with a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine measuring 8 inches by 36 inches and producing 12 horsepower, built by Samuel Hurlbutt of Prescott, Ontario. The ferry primarily served as a transportation vessel across the Bay of Quinte, playing an essential role in local navigation.
HISTORY: #
The Prince Edward Ferry had a varied and eventful history, marked by changes in ownership and multiple rebuilds. Built in 1885, the ferry was initially owned by William Powles of Deseronto. Over the years, the vessel changed hands numerous times, with owners including W. Powles (1886, 1917), A. L. Francis (1921), and R. D. McLeod (1927).
In its early years, the Prince Edward Ferry was a vital part of the local transport infrastructure, making regular trips across the Bay of Quinte. However, the vessel encountered significant challenges, including a devastating fire on June 17, 1884, in Belleville, which reduced the ferry to ashes. Despite this setback, the ferry was rebuilt and continued to operate, even undergoing a significant rebuild in 1922, which altered its dimensions to 51 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 3 feet in depth.
Throughout its service life, the ferry was refitted and repaired several times, with records of refurbishments appearing in news articles as early as 1870 and 1874. The vessel continued to operate until its final days in the late 1920s. The Prince Edward Ferry ceased operations for the last time in late November 1928. The vessel’s registry was officially closed on September 6, 1928, after the hull was broken up and abandoned.
Today, little remains of the once-bustling ferry except for some gears located near the Ferry Launch on the west side of the Bay of Quinte. These remnants serve as a quiet reminder of the ferry’s role in the region’s maritime history.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Prince Edward Ferry was abandoned and broken up in 1928 near the Ferry Launch on the west side of the Bay of Quinte. While most of the vessel has been lost to time, some mechanical parts, such as gears, remain at the site, marking the location where the ferry once operated.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Prince Edward Ferry wreck site. However, the location near the Ferry Launch may present minor underwater hazards for those navigating or exploring the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The remains of the Prince Edward Ferry are known to be located near the Ferry Launch on the west side of the Bay of Quinte. The exact date of discovery of these remnants is not widely documented, but they are recognized by local historians and maritime enthusiasts.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Historical Newspapers: Archival reports detailing the operations, incidents, and final abandonment of the Prince Edward Ferry.
KEYWORDS: #
Prince Edward Ferry, Sidewheel Steamer, Catamaran, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1928 Abandonment, Canadian Maritime History.
ANALYSIS: #
The Prince Edward Ferry serves as an example of the challenges faced by small regional vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its long service life, coupled with multiple rebuilds and changes in ownership, reflects the resilience of such vessels in the face of adversity. The ferry’s final days, culminating in its abandonment in 1928, mark the end of an era for local transportation across the Bay of Quinte. The remnants that remain near the Ferry Launch continue to capture the interest of historians and serve as a tangible connection to the region’s maritime past.
