S.M. DOUGLAS C102961

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The WHITE STAR began its journey in 1897, launched as a steamship in Montreal, Quebec. Over its extensive career, the vessel underwent multiple transformations, from a passenger steamship to a barge, and finally, to a sand dredge. With a length of 167 feet, a width of 25.33 feet, and a depth of 8 feet, the WHITE STAR was designed for versatility, adapting to the shifting demands of maritime industry along the Great Lakes.

Early Years #

The WHITE STAR was initially launched in 1897, but that same year, it was illegally renamed COLONIAL. By 1899, it was acquired by the Oakville Navigation Company, which played a significant role in establishing regular steamship operations in Oakville, Ontario. The vessel continued to undergo several name changes, becoming the CITY OF DUNKIRK in 1900 and EMPIRE in 1901, reflecting its changing roles and ownerships.

In 1903, the WHITE STAR suffered a severe setback when a fire broke out onboard. However, it was quickly repaired and sold to Oliver Gillespie in 1905, who had the vessel rebuilt in Cornwall, Ontario. In 1906, the ship faced another challenge when it was struck by the steamer MUNCY in Buffalo, New York. Despite these setbacks, the vessel was resilient, adapting to the needs of the time.

Transition to Sand Dredge #

The WHITE STAR was rebuilt again in 1926 after another fire, this time being converted into a barge. Its most significant transformation came in 1950 when Simpson Sand Co., Ltd., based in Brockville, Ontario, converted the vessel into a sand dredge. This final rebuild gave the WHITE STAR a new lease on life, allowing it to serve in the extraction of sand from lakebeds—an essential task for industrial operations in the region.

The vessel continued its work as a sand dredge until 1974 when it was repurposed as a breakwater for the Brockville Rowing Club, further showcasing its adaptability and enduring utility.

Final Disposition #

The end of the WHITE STAR came in November 1985, after nearly a century of service. By then, the vessel had been renamed DOUGLAS. While being towed to deeper waters near Main Duck Island, the ship began to sink. Ultimately, it was scuttled at coordinates N 44° 01.018′ W 76° 36.290′, marking the conclusion of its long and varied career.

Today, the wreck of the WHITE STAR lies submerged in Lake Ontario, a testament to the vessel’s resilience and the ever-changing nature of maritime operations. The site is accessible to divers and serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the diverse roles the ship played in the Great Lakes’ maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the DOUGLAS wreck site. However, mariners should check for the latest updates and advisories when navigating or diving near the wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck’s final location and scuttling were part of a planned operation in 1985, and the site has since been documented by maritime historians and diving enthusiasts.

2018 Photos by Matthew Charlesworth CC #

2000 Photos by Tom Rutledge CC

Historical Photos #

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Shipwreck World
• Historical Maritime Records: Available through regional archives and maritime history societies.

  #

WHITE STAR, DOUGLAS, Sand Sucker, Sand Dredge, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, 1985 Scuttling, Canadian Maritime History, Oakville Navigation Company.

Conclusion #

The WHITE STAR (later DOUGLAS) exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of maritime vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite numerous setbacks, including fires, collisions, and ownership changes, the ship continued to serve various roles, from passenger transport to sand dredging. The vessel’s final scuttling in 1985 underscores the practice of repurposing aging ships for breakwaters or artificial reefs, contributing to the historical landscape of the Great Lakes.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The WHITE STAR began its journey in 1897, launched as a steamship in Montreal, Quebec. Over its extensive career, the vessel underwent multiple transformations, from a passenger steamship to a barge, and finally, to a sand dredge. With a length of 167 feet, a width of 25.33 feet, and a depth of 8 feet, the WHITE STAR was designed for versatility, adapting to the shifting demands of maritime industry along the Great Lakes.

Early Years #

The WHITE STAR was initially launched in 1897, but that same year, it was illegally renamed COLONIAL. By 1899, it was acquired by the Oakville Navigation Company, which played a significant role in establishing regular steamship operations in Oakville, Ontario. The vessel continued to undergo several name changes, becoming the CITY OF DUNKIRK in 1900 and EMPIRE in 1901, reflecting its changing roles and ownerships.

In 1903, the WHITE STAR suffered a severe setback when a fire broke out onboard. However, it was quickly repaired and sold to Oliver Gillespie in 1905, who had the vessel rebuilt in Cornwall, Ontario. In 1906, the ship faced another challenge when it was struck by the steamer MUNCY in Buffalo, New York. Despite these setbacks, the vessel was resilient, adapting to the needs of the time.

Transition to Sand Dredge #

The WHITE STAR was rebuilt again in 1926 after another fire, this time being converted into a barge. Its most significant transformation came in 1950 when Simpson Sand Co., Ltd., based in Brockville, Ontario, converted the vessel into a sand dredge. This final rebuild gave the WHITE STAR a new lease on life, allowing it to serve in the extraction of sand from lakebeds—an essential task for industrial operations in the region.

The vessel continued its work as a sand dredge until 1974 when it was repurposed as a breakwater for the Brockville Rowing Club, further showcasing its adaptability and enduring utility.

Final Disposition #

The end of the WHITE STAR came in November 1985, after nearly a century of service. By then, the vessel had been renamed DOUGLAS. While being towed to deeper waters near Main Duck Island, the ship began to sink. Ultimately, it was scuttled at coordinates N 44° 01.018′ W 76° 36.290′, marking the conclusion of its long and varied career.

Today, the wreck of the WHITE STAR lies submerged in Lake Ontario, a testament to the vessel’s resilience and the ever-changing nature of maritime operations. The site is accessible to divers and serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the diverse roles the ship played in the Great Lakes’ maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the DOUGLAS wreck site. However, mariners should check for the latest updates and advisories when navigating or diving near the wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck’s final location and scuttling were part of a planned operation in 1985, and the site has since been documented by maritime historians and diving enthusiasts.

2018 Photos by Matthew Charlesworth CC #

2000 Photos by Tom Rutledge CC

Historical Photos #

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Shipwreck World
• Historical Maritime Records: Available through regional archives and maritime history societies.

  #

WHITE STAR, DOUGLAS, Sand Sucker, Sand Dredge, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, 1985 Scuttling, Canadian Maritime History, Oakville Navigation Company.

Conclusion #

The WHITE STAR (later DOUGLAS) exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of maritime vessels during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite numerous setbacks, including fires, collisions, and ownership changes, the ship continued to serve various roles, from passenger transport to sand dredging. The vessel’s final scuttling in 1985 underscores the practice of repurposing aging ships for breakwaters or artificial reefs, contributing to the historical landscape of the Great Lakes.