IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The J.K. Ward was a wooden-hulled tugboat, a common workhorse on the waterways of Ontario during the late 19th century. Tugboats like the J.K. Ward played crucial roles in towing barges and assisting with the maneuvering of larger vessels in confined or difficult navigational areas such as the Rideau Canal.
HISTORY: #
The J.K. Ward was a functional and important vessel for its time, performing the vital task of towing and guiding other ships through the Rideau Canal. Built to modest dimensions—49 feet in length and 15 feet in width—the tugboat had a gross tonnage of 23 tons, reflecting its small but sturdy construction.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On November 1, 1892, the J.K. Ward tragically caught fire while navigating the Rideau Canal. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the fire quickly consumed it, and it burned to the water’s edge, leaving the tugboat a total loss. The incident was covered by local newspapers, including the Smith Falls Rideau Record on November 17, 1892, and the Ottawa Citizen on November 11, 1892, both confirming the event.
Interestingly, there is a discrepancy regarding the exact date of the sinking. A plaque on the wreck of the J.K. Wardindicates that the vessel sank on November 6, 1982, which conflicts with historical records from 1892. This discrepancy might be due to a clerical error when the plaque was created or a misinterpretation of historical data.
Today, the remains of the J.K. Ward can still be found submerged near Rideau Queen Rock on the Rideau Canal. A plaque on the wreck provides visitors with some historical context about the vessel, though the date discrepancy remains a point of interest and discussion among historians and visitors alike.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Navigational Warning: Boaters and divers in the vicinity of Rideau Queen Rock should be aware of the submerged wreckage, which could pose hazards to navigation and diving activities.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Smith Falls Rideau Record, November 17, 1892: Provides a historical account of the burning and sinking of the J.K. Ward.
- Ottawa Citizen, November 11, 1892: Confirms the timeline and details surrounding the tragic loss of the J.K. Ward.
- Rideau Canal Archives: For additional historical context on the canal and the vessels that operated within it.
CONCLUSION: #
The J.K. Ward serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by tugboats and other working vessels in the 19th century. Its sudden destruction by fire in 1892 marked the end of its service on the Rideau Canal, but its submerged remains continue to tell the story of a vital maritime tradition in Ontario’s waterways. The plaque on the wreck offers visitors a glimpse into the past, though the date discrepancy adds an intriguing mystery to the site.
KEYWORDS: #
J.K. Ward, Tugboat, Rideau Canal, Rideau Queen Rock, 19th-century maritime history, Wooden shipwreck, Maritime fire, Ontario waterways.
