Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Arctic
• Type: Steambarge
• Year Built: 1893
• Builder: Grindstone Island, New York, USA
• Dimensions: Length 96.3 ft (29.3 m); Beam 19.3 ft (5.9 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 100.51 tons; Net Tonnage: 82.94 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 2.1 m / 7 ft
• Location: Deseronto, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Official Number: C94930
• Original Owners: Elizabeth and William Slate; Daniel Springer; William A. Webster; Wells A. Dygert; Kate Hemans; Heyman et al.; William and Agnes Britnell; William G. Mackendrick; Toronto Sand & Dredging Co. Ltd.; The Rathbun Co.
• Number of Masts: One mast

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Arctic was a wooden-hulled steambarge, a common vessel type used for transporting bulk cargo on the Great Lakes and other inland waterways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its design, featuring a single deck and one mast, prioritized functionality and efficiency, and its steam engine allowed reliable propulsion for its size. The modifications made during its lifetime slightly increased its dimensions and tonnage, reflecting its evolving use in commercial operations.

Description

The Arctic was built in 1893 on Grindstone Island, New York, by or for Elizabeth and William Slate. Initially serving as a reliable cargo vessel, it was powered by a non-condensing steam engine built in 1888, providing 48 horsepower. The vessel underwent several ownership changes and modifications throughout its operational life, which slightly increased its size and tonnage.

History

Construction and Early Years: Built in 1893 on Grindstone Island, New York, by or for Elizabeth and William Slate, the Arctic initially served as a reliable cargo vessel with a focus on local commercial routes. Its non-condensing steam engine powered the vessel with 48 horsepower, providing adequate propulsion for its size.

Ownership Timeline:

• 1894: Sold to Daniel Springer of Alexandria Bay, NY.
• 1896: Purchased by William A. Webster of South Hammond, NY.
• 1898: Owned by Wells A. Dygert of NY and Kate Hemans(?) of Sacketts Harbor, NY.
• 1899: Transferred to Heyman et al. of Clayton, NY.
• 1901: Acquired by William and Agnes Britnell of Toronto, Ontario.
• 1902: Sold to William G. Mackendrick of Toronto and later to the Toronto Sand & Dredging Co. Ltd.
• 1904: Purchased by The Rathbun Co. of Deseronto, Ontario.

During its Canadian tenure, the vessel underwent modifications that slightly increased its size and tonnage, reflecting its adaptation to new roles, likely including dredging and sand transportation under the Toronto Sand & Dredging Co.

Final Years: By 1915, the Arctic had reached the end of its operational life and was dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario. Its dismantling marked the conclusion of its service as a versatile cargo vessel, reflecting the transition of the maritime industry toward more modern and efficient ships.

Registry Closure: The vessel’s official Canadian registration (C94930) was formally closed in 1944, long after its abandonment, officially marking the end of its documented existence.

Significant Incidents

Final Disposition: The Arctic was dismantled in 1915 in Deseronto, Ontario. After over two decades of service and numerous ownership changes, the vessel was retired and broken up. The lack of physical remnants underscores its functional role rather than a significant historical or cultural legacy.

NOTMARs & Advisories: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the Arctic, as it was dismantled and does not pose navigational hazards.

Located By & Date: The Arctic was dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario, in 1915. No known remnants exist, and the exact location of its final dismantling is not documented.

Final Disposition

The Arctic was dismantled in 1915 in Deseronto, Ontario. After over two decades of service and numerous ownership changes, the vessel was retired and broken up. The lack of physical remnants underscores its functional role rather than a significant historical or cultural legacy.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given its dismantling, no physical remains of the Arctic are accessible. The site of its dismantling in Deseronto holds historical significance as a hub for shipbuilding and maritime activity during that era.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”artic-c-94930″ title=”References & Links”]

The Arctic represents the life cycle of many small steambarges that supported commercial and industrial activity on the Great Lakes. Built in 1893 and modified during its operational life, the vessel reflects the adaptability and economic necessity of maritime shipping during the period. Its history of ownership changes and eventual dismantling in Deseronto highlights the transitional nature of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the Arctic left no physical remnants, its story remains a valuable chapter in the history of maritime commerce in the region, emphasizing the critical role of vessels like it in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of the Great Lakes.