IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
- Wreck Name: Morton Wreck (also known as the Morton Ironclad)
- Location: Near Morton, Ontario, on the Rideau Canal
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates may vary, but it is located within the vicinity of Morton Bay in the Rideau system.
- Depth: Shallow water, typically accessible to snorkelers and divers.
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Morton Wreck is believed to be an iron-hulled vessel, possibly a barge or a small workboat. The remains are characterized by iron components and some structural elements that suggest it was used during the construction or operation of the Rideau Canal.
HISTORY #
The wreck near Morton, Ontario, is thought to date back to the 19th century, a time when the Rideau Canal was an essential transportation route connecting Kingston on Lake Ontario with Ottawa. This canal was completed in 1832 and played a significant role in both commercial shipping and military strategy. The vessel may have been associated with the canal’s construction or maintenance operations, which would explain its abandonment in this remote area.
The Rideau Canal was a vital waterway for transporting goods and people before the advent of the railway. Vessels like the one wrecked near Morton would have been crucial for ferrying supplies, workers, and possibly stone or timber during the canal’s construction. Over time, as the canal’s strategic military importance diminished, many of these support vessels were abandoned along the route, including in areas like Morton Bay.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck was abandoned and has since become a submerged artifact. The iron components have resisted complete degradation, providing a unique insight into the types of vessels used on the Rideau Canal during its early years. The wreck is partially buried in silt, with some structures still visible depending on water clarity.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Morton Wreck has been known to local historians and divers for some time. It was likely first identified during surveys of the canal, although it is not widely publicized due to its small size and remote location.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners or advisories are currently issued for this site, but general caution is advised when navigating small craft near historical wreck sites to prevent damage to both the vessel and the wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
These resources may provide further information on the Morton Wreck and other similar sites in the Rideau Canal system
