Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alex Fraser
- Type: Sidewheel steamboat
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Pembroke, Ontario
- Dimensions: 140 ft (42.7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Quyon, Quebec
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The *Alex Fraser* was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed circa 1890 in Pembroke, Ontario. Designed as a log-towing vessel, she featured broad sidewheels and a single deck, typical of riverine workboats of the era. Her 140-foot hull allowed strong towing capability in the currents and shallows of the Ottawa River system.
Description
The *Alex Fraser* was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed circa 1890 in Pembroke, Ontario. Designed as a log-towing vessel, she featured broad sidewheels and a single deck, typical of riverine workboats of the era. Her 140-foot hull allowed strong towing capability in the currents and shallows of the Ottawa River system.
History
Launched in 1890, the *Alex Fraser* served primarily in the timber trade on the Ottawa River, notably between Fort William and Lower Allumette Lake. Her role involved towing substantial log booms through often challenging river conditions.
On 28 August 1903, she struck a rock near Murphy’s Wharf and sank. In 1904, salvage operations succeeded in refloating and restoring her to service. A decade later, in 1915, she was transferred to Lake Deschênes for continued log-towing duties.
Significant Incidents
- 28 August 1903: Struck a rock near Murphy’s Wharf and sank.
- 1904: Salvaged and restored to service.
- 1915: Transferred to Lake Deschênes for log-towing duties.
Final Disposition
In 1942, the vessel was officially dismantled. Her iron parts were salvaged and sold off; the wooden hull, however, was left in situ and remains (partially buried) near the log boom at Quyon, Quebec.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Riverbank near Quyon, Quebec.
Entry Point: Likely from shore adjacent to logging boom area.
Conditions: Shallow river mud; not a formal dive site; visibility likely very poor; timber debris may pose hazards.
Permits: Not documented; formal permission from local landowners or authorities would be prudent for access.
Dive Support: Not developed for recreational or historical diving.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alex-fraser-1890″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The *Alex Fraser* remains a significant part of the Ottawa River’s maritime history. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and its history, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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