Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Aberdeen
- Type: Propeller Wood Bulk Freighter (Rabbit)
- Year Built: 1894
- Builder: J. Tait
- Dimensions: Length: 100 ft (30.5 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 142 gross tons
- Location: Hepburn Shipyard, Picton, Ontario, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Bernard R. and James D. Hepburn; Ontario & Quebec Navigation Co. Ltd.; Canada Steamship Lines Ltd.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Aberdeen was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freighter built for versatility and utility on the Great Lakes. Known as a “rabbit,” its small size and agile design allowed it to navigate shallower waters and tight spaces. With a gross tonnage of 142 tons, the vessel primarily transported bulk goods such as coal, grain, and lumber, making it a vital component of Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Description
Constructed in 1894 by J. Tait in Picton, Ontario, the Aberdeen was a workhorse for the shipping industry. It operated under various owners, adapting to the evolving needs of maritime trade on the Great Lakes.
History
Throughout its service, the Aberdeen transported various bulk goods, playing a significant role in regional trade. It was actively used up until its tragic loss in 1918.
Ownership Timeline:
- March 3, 1905: Owned by Bernard R. and James D. Hepburn of Picton, Ontario.
- April 7, 1905: Transferred to the Ontario & Quebec Navigation Co. Ltd., Picton.
- April 28, 1916: Acquired by Canada Steamship Lines Ltd., Montreal.
Significant Incidents
The Aberdeen was destroyed by a fire on March 11, 1918, while docked at the Hepburn Shipyard in Picton, Ontario, during winter quarters. The blaze consumed the vessel entirely while it rested at the “Ways” of the shipyard. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the vessel was not carrying cargo at the time.
Some historical discrepancies place the loss in 1917, but the most widely accepted date is March 11, 1918. The ship’s registry was officially closed on November 4, 1920.
Final Disposition
The Aberdeen was destroyed by a fire on March 11, 1918, while docked at the Hepburn Shipyard in Picton, Ontario. The blaze consumed the vessel entirely while it rested at the “Ways” of the shipyard. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the vessel was not carrying cargo at the time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the fire occurred on land, no substantial remains are expected to be found. Any remnants of the Aberdeen would likely be minimal, buried, or dispersed within the former shipyard site. The location is not suitable for diving or maritime exploration.
Resources & Links
The Aberdeen exemplifies the indispensable role of smaller freighters in Great Lakes commerce during its era. Serving for over two decades, it contributed significantly to the economic development of the region. The fire that destroyed the vessel in 1918 underscores the inherent risks faced by wooden ships, even when docked. The Aberdeen’s history offers insights into the evolution of Great Lakes shipping, the challenges of operating wooden vessels, and the contributions of these “rabbits” to maritime trade. Its loss marks a poignant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.