C. O. KELLY (1875)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Vessel Name: C.O. KELLY
Type: Propeller Steamboat
Year Built: 1875
Builder: Not specified
Registered: Ottawa, Ontario
Tonnage: 259 tons
Final Location: Pembroke, Ontario
Coordinates: Approx. N 45.8379, W 77.1243

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The C.O. KELLY was a propeller-driven steamboat built in 1875, registered in Ottawa, Ontario. Propeller steamboats, commonly known as “propellers,” were widely used in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways for transporting goods and passengers. The vessel’s construction reflected the typical design of late 19th-century steamers, focusing on practicality and utility for navigation in the lakes and rivers of the region.

HISTORY #

The C.O. KELLY served as a crucial component of the local maritime industry following its construction in 1875. Registered in Ottawa, the vessel played an essential role in transporting goods and possibly passengers across the waterways of Ontario. Steamboats like the C.O. KELLY were integral to the economic and social development of the communities along the Great Lakes and nearby rivers.

On August 2, 1885, the C.O. KELLY met with a disastrous fate when it caught fire while docked at the Pembroke wharf. The fire erupted during the night, engulfing the entire vessel and resulting in its complete destruction. Fortunately, the vessel was not carrying any cargo at the time, which may have limited the potential for further damage or loss of life. The fire claimed some of the crew members, adding to the tragedy of the event.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The C.O. KELLY was entirely destroyed by fire on August 2, 1885, while docked at Pembroke, Ontario. The loss was significant, with the vessel’s value estimated at $8,000—a substantial amount at the time. The destruction of the C.O. KELLY was one of the total losses recorded on the lakes in 1885, highlighting the risks faced by vessels operating in the region.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The precise wreckage site of the C.O. KELLY is not documented, but the fire occurred at the Pembroke wharf, with approximate coordinates of N 45.8379, W 77.1243.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Obstructions: No specific obstructions related to the wreck of the C.O. KELLY are noted in navigational charts.
Marking: The location where the C.O. KELLY burned is not marked on current maps, as the vessel was destroyed and not submerged.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

For further information on the C.O. KELLY and other similar vessels, the following resources may be useful:

Conclusion #

The loss of the C.O. KELLY is a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century. The fire that destroyed the vessel at Pembroke in 1885 underscored the vulnerabilities of maritime operations and the devastating consequences that could arise from such incidents. Despite its tragic end, the C.O. KELLY remains a part of the rich maritime history of Ontario, reflecting both the challenges and the significance of steamboats in the development of the region.

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