Bayanna – Lake Ontario Steamer Shipwreck (1964)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Bayanna
• Type: Propeller-driven steamship
• Year Built: 1896
• Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
• Dimensions: Length 247.58 ft (75.5 m); Beam 42.50 ft (12.95 m); Depth of hold 14.66 ft (4.47 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 1450.00 tons; Net Tonnage: 1072.00 tons
• Location: Deseronto, Ontario
• Official Number: US Official Number: 107228; Canadian Official Number: 150811

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Aragon, later renamed Bayanna, was a steel-hulled propeller-driven steamship initially designed for general cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Following its initial construction, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds to adapt to different roles. Its transformation into a self-unloader for sand and gravel service highlights its versatility and long-lasting utility.

Description

The Bayanna was a notable example of maritime engineering, originally launched as a cargo steamship and later converted into a self-unloader. This adaptability allowed it to serve various roles throughout its operational life, showcasing the evolving demands of the Great Lakes shipping industry.

History

Key Events:

• Launch Date: May 23, 1896, at Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan
• 1922: Reconstructed to Canadian measures for sand and gravel service.
• 1927: Converted into a self-unloader with increased gross tonnage (1643 tons).
• 1960: Pilothouse from the scrapped Canadian steamer Collier installed.
• October 1898: Stranded near Cascade Rapids. The hull was damaged but the vessel was released.
• November 17, 1921: Grounded on Salmon Point, Lake Ontario, requiring underwriter intervention for salvage.
• December 1, 1962: Stranded in the Bay of Quinte near Belleville, Ontario.
• December 10, 1963: Refloated and taken to Deseronto, Ontario.

Significant Incidents

Final Incident: In May 1964, the vessel, then named Bayanna, caught fire in the Bay of Quinte near Deseronto, Ontario. The fire gutted the ship, rendering it unsalvageable. It was dismantled for scrap in shallow waters, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

The Bayanna was destroyed by fire and subsequently dismantled in shallow waters at Deseronto, Ontario, in 1964. The vessel had served the Great Lakes region for nearly 70 years, transitioning through various roles and ownerships before its final demise.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Bayanna was scrapped in shallow water. No substantial remains are believed to exist, making the site inaccessible for exploration or diving.

Resources & Links

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The legacy of the Bayanna is preserved through historical records, offering insights into the region’s rich maritime heritage. As divers and enthusiasts, we encourage you to respect these sites and leave only bubbles, taking only memories.