IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Thomas McKay was a wooden steamboat constructed in 1834, designed to navigate the newly completed Rideau Canal. Measuring 105 feet in length with an extreme breadth of 28 feet 6 inches and a depth of hold of 6 feet 9 inches, the Thomas McKay was powered by a 25-horsepower engine, making it capable of efficiently traversing the canal system. The steamboat featured cabins with berths for passengers and a promenade deck, offering a comfortable, though plain, experience for travelers, as described by contemporary sources like the Kingston Whig.
HISTORY: #
The Thomas McKay was intended to be launched on May 31, 1834, but encountered delays, finally beginning its service on April 2, 1834. The vessel was one of the first steamboats built specifically for use on the Rideau Canal, a vital waterway that connected Ottawa to Kingston. This connection was crucial for transportation and trade during the early 19th century.
Despite its promising start, the Thomas McKay faced a series of unfortunate events. In November 1834, the vessel became frozen in at Bytown (now Ottawa) due to an early winter storm, a fate not uncommon for vessels operating in the harsh Canadian climate. The following year, on October 21, 1835, while navigating near Merrickville, Ontario, the Thomas McKay struck a stump in the canal and sank. This incident effectively ended its short-lived career.
Interestingly, the engine from the Thomas McKay was salvaged and repurposed for use in the construction of another vessel named the Cataraqui. This recycling of valuable components was a common practice at the time, reflecting the importance of maximizing resources in early Canadian shipbuilding.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Thomas McKay met its end on October 21, 1835, when it struck a submerged stump while navigating the Rideau Canal near Merrickville. The impact caused the vessel to sink, marking the conclusion of its brief operational life. The location of the wreck remains in the Rideau Canal, a reminder of the challenges faced by early steam-powered vessels in navigating the Canadian waterways.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Thomas McKay have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Rideau Canal Archives: Provides historical records and accounts related to the early vessels that operated on the Rideau Canal.
- Kingston Whig Archives: For contemporary accounts of the Thomas McKay and other vessels from the same period.
CONCLUSION: #
The Thomas McKay serves as an early example of the challenges faced by steamboats on the Rideau Canal. Although its career was short, the vessel played a role in the early transportation history of the region. The repurposing of its engine for the Cataraqui highlights the resourcefulness of early Canadian shipbuilders. The Thomas McKay’s story also underscores the risks inherent in navigating the newly completed canal, a crucial but often treacherous route for early 19th-century vessels.
KEYWORDS: #
Thomas McKay, Steamboat, Rideau Canal, Merrickville, Early Canadian shipwrecks, 19th-century maritime history, Wooden shipwreck, Bytown, Kingston Whig.
