Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Adam Ainslie (Richard S. King US 85421) C 94765

Explore the history of the Adam Ainslie, a wooden propeller tug that faced a fiery fate in 1891 but was rebuilt and renamed, showcasing the resilience of Great Lakes vessels.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: ADAM AINSLIE (formerly RICHARD S. KING)
  • Type: Propeller Tug
  • Year Built: 1883
  • Builder: William Ross, Port Robinson, Ontario
  • Dimensions: Length 70 ft (21.3 m); Beam 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth of hold 9 ft (2.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 59 tons
  • Location: Georgian Bay, near Tobermory
  • Official Number: C94765
  • Original Owners: Windsor, Ontario (after 1891)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ADAM AINSLIE was a wooden propeller tug designed for towing and general maritime support. Its modest size and single-cylinder high-pressure steam engine made it suitable for operations in the confined waters of the Great Lakes, such as harbors, rivers, and bays.

Description

The ADAM AINSLIE was originally built as the RICHARD S. KING in 1883. It was a compact and robust tugboat, well-suited for Great Lakes operations, primarily used for towing and maritime support.

History

Early Years as RICHARD S. KING (1883–1891): Built in 1883 by William Ross in Port Robinson, Ontario, the vessel was originally named RICHARD S. KING. Operated primarily as a tugboat, its compact and robust design was well-suited to Great Lakes operations.

Ownership Transfer and Fire (1891): Ownership transferred to Windsor, Ontario, in 1891. On September 20, 1891, the tug caught fire and sank off Tobermory in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. Despite the severity of the incident, no casualties were reported.

Rebuild and Renaming (1892): The tug was salvaged, rebuilt, and enlarged by John Simpson at Owen Sound, Ontario. Renamed ADAM AINSLIE and assigned a new official number (C94765), the vessel retained its original dimensions and gross tonnage after the rebuild.

Later Years (1892–?): The ADAM AINSLIE continued operations after its rebuild. However, specific details about its subsequent history and ultimate fate are not provided.

Significant Incidents

  • September 20, 1891: Caught fire and sank off Tobermory, Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The ADAM AINSLIE was rebuilt at John Simpson Shipyard in Owen Sound, Ontario, on Georgian Bay. Further information about the vessel’s ultimate fate is not available.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the rebuild and return to service, it is unlikely any significant remains exist from the original RICHARD S. KING. The ADAM AINSLIE‘s final condition and location remain unverified, with no known exploration or recovery efforts.

Resources & Links

The ADAM AINSLIE (formerly RICHARD S. KING) represents a common type of working vessel on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Its resilience is evident in its survival and rebuild after the 1891 fire and sinking. Despite gaps in its later history, the tug highlights the versatility and durability of wooden vessels designed for Great Lakes operations. Its documented rebuild in Owen Sound and brief period of service under the name ADAM AINSLIE offer valuable insights into the life cycle of working ships during this era.