Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cabotia (formerly Hiawatha)
- Type: Freighter
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: Gibraltar, Michigan, USA
- Dimensions: 244 ft (75 m); Beam: 36 ft (11 m); Depth of hold: 20 ft (6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,530 tons
- Location: Near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact GPS coordinates not provided.
- Official Number: U133852
- Original Owners: Wellington A. Burt, C.H. Lane, Martha Simpson, J.C. Gilchrist, Lake Shore Transit Company, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Cabotia Steam Ship Company, Canadian Shipping Company, George Hall Coal Company
- Number of Masts: Propeller-driven
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The HIAWATHA, later renamed Cabotia in 1913, was a propeller-driven freighter constructed with robust dimensions and a powerful compound engine. It was designed primarily for the transport of bulk goods such as ore and grain. The vessel’s design featured two Scotch boilers, contributing to its substantial power and efficiency in navigating the Great Lakes’ demanding conditions.
Description
The Cabotia represents a significant example of Great Lakes shipping history, particularly in the transition from wooden schooners to more robust, steam-powered freighters designed for bulk cargo. Its multiple ownership changes and eventual demise near Main Duck Island highlight the challenges of early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. The scattered remains and limited salvage efforts reflect the difficulties faced in the preservation of such wrecks.
History
The HIAWATHA began its service in 1880, initially towing the barge MINNEHAHA in the ore trade between Lake Superior and Lake Erie ports. Registered under Canada number 133852, the ship played a significant role in transporting grain from Duluth, Minnesota, to Buffalo, New York, and connecting ore trade routes between Two Harbors and the lower lakes. Over the years, the ship changed ownership multiple times, being associated with notable figures and companies in the shipping industry, such as Wellington A. Burt, C.H. Lane, Martha Simpson, J.C. Gilchrist, Lake Shore Transit Company, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Cabotia Steam Ship Company, Canadian Shipping Company, and the George Hall Coal Company. The vessel was renamed Cabotia after it was acquired by the Cabotia Steam Ship Company in 1913.
Significant Incidents
- The Cabotia met its tragic end on August 27, 1919, when it was stranded near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario.
- The vessel eventually broke in two and was declared a total loss.
- Despite attempts to salvage what remained, very little was recovered, leading to the abandonment of the wreck in 1921.
Final Disposition
The Cabotia was declared a total loss after breaking in two. The wreck was abandoned in 1921 following unsuccessful salvage attempts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is largely deteriorated, with minimal remains. Accessibility is limited due to the scattered state of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cabotiahiawatha-u133852″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As divers explore the site, it is essential to remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. The Cabotia serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Other Names: Cabotia (post-1913), formerly HIAWATHA
- Vessel Type: Freighter
- Length: 244 feet (75 meters)
- Beam: 36 feet (11 meters)
- Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)
- Tonnage: 1,530 tons
- Built: 1880 in Gibraltar, Michigan, USA
- Final Location: Near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact GPS coordinates not provided in the text.
- Site Status: The wreck is largely deteriorated, with minimal remains.
- Accessibility: Limited due to the scattered state of the wreck.
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The HIAWATHA, later renamed Cabotia in 1913, was a propeller-driven freighter constructed with robust dimensions and a powerful compound engine. It was designed primarily for the transport of bulk goods such as ore and grain. The vessel’s design featured two Scotch boilers, contributing to its substantial power and efficiency in navigating the Great Lakes’ demanding conditions.
HISTORY:
The HIAWATHA began its service in 1880, initially towing the barge MINNEHAHA in the ore trade between Lake Superior and Lake Erie ports. Registered under Canada number 133852, the ship played a significant role in transporting grain from Duluth, Minnesota, to Buffalo, New York, and connecting ore trade routes between Two Harbors and the lower lakes. Over the years, the ship changed ownership multiple times, being associated with notable figures and companies in the shipping industry, such as Wellington A. Burt, C.H. Lane, Martha Simpson, J.C. Gilchrist, Lake Shore Transit Company, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Cabotia Steam Ship Company, Canadian Shipping Company, and the George Hall Coal Company. The vessel was renamed Cabotia after it was acquired by the Cabotia Steam Ship Company in 1913.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The Cabotia met its tragic end on August 27, 1919, when it was stranded near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel eventually broke in two and was declared a total loss. Despite attempts to salvage what remained, very little was recovered, leading to the abandonment of the wreck in 1921.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Cabotia. However, mariners and divers should always consult the latest local advisories and NOTMARs for the area before planning any activities near the wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The exact date of the wreck’s discovery and the identity of those who located it are not provided in the text. This information may be updated as new data becomes available.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
HIAWATHA, Cabotia, Freighter, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Salvage, Ore Trade, Grain Transport, Propeller Ship, Wellington A. Burt, Gilchrist Transportation Company, Canadian Shipping Company, George Hall Coal Company, 1919 Shipwreck
ANALYSIS:
The Cabotia represents a significant example of Great Lakes shipping history, particularly in the transition from wooden schooners to more robust, steam-powered freighters designed for bulk cargo. Its multiple ownership changes and eventual demise near Main Duck Island highlight the challenges of early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. The scattered remains and limited salvage efforts reflect the difficulties faced in the preservation of such wrecks. Continuous monitoring of resources like the Maritime History of the Great Lakes and updates from sites like Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston are crucial for uncovering new information about this and other shipwrecks.
cabotiahiawatha-u133852 1919-08-27 07:47:00