C. O. Kelly (1875)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: C.O. KELLY
• Type: Propeller Steamboat
• Year Built: 1875
• Builder: Not specified
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage: 259 tons
• Location: Pembroke, Ontario
• Coordinates: Approx. N 45.8379, W 77.1243

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The C.O. KELLY was a propeller-driven steamboat, a popular vessel type in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways during the late 19th century. Known for their practicality, propeller steamboats were essential for transporting goods and passengers. The design of the C.O. KELLY would have reflected the utilitarian approach of that era, optimized for navigating rivers and lakes.

Description

The C.O. KELLY, built in 1875 and registered in Ottawa, Ontario, was an integral part of regional transportation, contributing to the economic and social growth of communities in the area. Steamboats like the C.O. KELLY were vital for moving goods and passengers along waterways, playing a key role in the Great Lakes maritime industry.

History

On August 2, 1885, tragedy struck when the C.O. KELLY caught fire while docked at the Pembroke wharf. The fire erupted during the night, consuming the vessel entirely. Although it was not carrying cargo, which likely mitigated further damage, the fire resulted in some crew fatalities, marking the incident as a significant loss. The vessel’s destruction represented a financial loss estimated at $8,000, a considerable amount at the time.

Significant Incidents

• The C.O. KELLY was completely destroyed by fire at Pembroke, Ontario, on August 2, 1885. Its loss was one of the notable maritime disasters of the year, emphasizing the perils faced by steamboats operating in the region.

Final Disposition

While the C.O. KELLY was lost at the Pembroke wharf, the exact wreckage location remains undocumented. The approximate coordinates are N 45.8379 W 77.1243.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No specific obstructions related to the C.O. KELLY are recorded on navigational charts. The site where the vessel burned is not marked, as the wreck was not submerged but destroyed by fire.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the C.O. KELLY underscores the challenges of 19th-century maritime operations. Its destruction at Pembroke in 1885 remains a testament to the hazards faced by vessels and crews in the Great Lakes region. Though gone, the C.O. KELLY contributes to the rich tapestry of Ontario’s maritime history, illustrating the significance of steamboats in the economic and social development of the era.