Tinto Shipwreck: A Detailed Report

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Tinto

•Registry: Canada

•Official Number: Not available

•Rig: Propeller Steamship

•Hull Material: Wood

•Hull Number: Not available

•Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)

•Beam: 23 feet (7.0 meters)

•Depth: Not specified

•Gross Tonnage: Not specified

•Net Tonnage: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Tinto was a wooden propeller Steamship, constructed in 1855 at Sorel, Quebec, by D. & J. McCarthy. It was designed for both passenger and freight services, particularly along the bustling routes between Montreal and Lake Erie. Equipped with a V-2 engineconfiguration, the Tinto’s engines were built by Miln & Miln of Montreal at the Dock Engine Works. This innovative design, featuring engines aligned at right angles on the same shaft, was a hallmark of advanced Steamship engineering of the time.

The Tinto was owned by Gibb & Ross, a prominent shipping company in Montreal, known for its involvement in commercial and passenger transportation during the mid-19th century.

HISTORY

•Construction and Service:

Launched in 1855, the Tinto quickly became a vital part of the trade and passenger network on the St. Lawrence River and connecting waterways. It was a reliable vessel until its untimely demise just a year after entering service.

•Engines:

Powered by engines measuring 22.5×30 inches, the Tinto’s propulsion system reflected contemporary engineering standards, offering both power and maneuverability for navigating challenging river conditions.

Fire Incident and Tragic Loss (June 11, 1856):

While on a routine voyage near Kingston, Ontario, the Tinto caught fire, leading to its complete destruction.

•Fatalities:

Approximately 12 lives were lost in the disaster, including Captain Campbell and a passenger, Mr. Henderson.

•Survivors:

The purser and 12 crew members managed to escape the inferno. Accounts suggest that while safety boats were available, their use was limited or ineffective under the circumstances.

•Cause of the Fire:

Despite investigations, the fire’s origin was never determined. Speculations ranged from engine malfunctions to inadequate protective measures around the funnel. Witnesses suggested that the absence of an iron casing around the funnel might have exacerbated the situation, though this remains unverified.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Tinto sank after being engulfed in flames on June 11, 1856. The vessel was lost in the St. Lawrence River near Cedar Island, close to Kingston, Ontario.

•Depth of Wreck: Approximately 40 feet (12 meters).

•Coordinates: N44’13.422” W76’27.018”

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners or modern advisories regarding the Tinto’s wreck site. However, divers are encouraged to follow local guidelines and safety protocols when exploring.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition of the Wreck:

The Tinto lies in shallow waters, making it a popular site for intermediate-level divers. The wooden Hull remains are preserved, though natural decay has reduced the ship’s structure over time. The cold freshwater environment of the St. Lawrence River has helped mitigate significant deterioration.

•Accessibility:

The wreck is an accessible dive site with varying Visibility, often providing clear views of the remains. Divers exploring the site can witness a preserved piece of 19th-century maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: In-depth historical context and documentation of vessels like the Tinto.

•Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database: Records of Canadian-built vessels and maritime incidents.

•Dive Kingston: Information on local diving opportunities, including the Tinto wreck.

•Kingston Daily News Archives: Historical accounts of the Tinto’s fire and loss.

KEYWORDS

Tinto Shipwreck, Propeller Steamship, St. Lawrence River, Cedar Island, Maritime Disaster, 19th-Century Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Gibb & Ross, Miln & Miln Engines, Fire Incident.

ANALYSIS

The Tinto’s fiery demise exemplifies the vulnerabilities of early steamships, particularly wooden vessels reliant on combustible materials and rudimentary safety systems. The tragic loss of life underscores the importance of safety advancements in maritime engineering that followed such incidents.

Today, the Tinto’s wreck serves as an important historical and educational resource, offering insight into the engineering, trade, and passenger transport practices of the mid-19th century. It stands as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early mariners and the sacrifices made to establish reliable waterways in Canada’s formative years.