Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cecilia L
- Type: Screw-Propelled Cargo Vessel
- Year Built: 1911
- Builder: Valleyfield, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length: 90 ft (27.4 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 192 tons
- Location: Near Île Perrot, Quebec
- Original Owners: E. Leduc, Valleyfield, Quebec
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Cecilia L. was a wooden screw-propelled cargo vessel, designed to transport goods and materials efficiently along the St. Lawrence River. With a single deck and a gross tonnage of 192 tons, it served as an essential link in the regional transportation network, particularly between Montreal and Valleyfield. Built in 1911, the vessel epitomized the era’s reliance on wooden cargo ships for inland and river trade.
Description
The Cecilia L. was a wooden screw-propelled cargo vessel, designed to transport goods and materials efficiently along the St. Lawrence River. With a single deck and a gross tonnage of 192 tons, it served as an essential link in the regional transportation network, particularly between Montreal and Valleyfield. Built in 1911, the vessel epitomized the era’s reliance on wooden cargo ships for inland and river trade.
History
The Cecilia L., owned by E. Leduc of Valleyfield, Quebec, was instrumental in the flow of commerce along the St. Lawrence River. It transported a variety of cargo, ensuring the smooth movement of materials and supplies essential to the region’s economy. Despite its relatively short service life, the vessel was a critical component of the regional transportation infrastructure.
Significant Incidents
- Cause: A shift in cargo, leading to instability and capsizing.
- Impact: The rapid foundering underscores the importance of proper cargo management and vessel stability in preventing such disasters.
- Casualties: Twelve lives were lost, marking one of the more devastating maritime incidents in the region’s early 20th-century history.
Final Disposition
On November 2, 1912, the Cecilia L. met a tragic end near Île Perrot, Quebec. During a voyage, the vessel’s cargo shifted unexpectedly, destabilizing the ship. This sudden loss of balance caused the vessel to founder, resulting in the loss of twelve lives.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Cecilia L. wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cecilia-l-1911″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Cecilia L. played a vital role in the commerce of the St. Lawrence River, serving as a lifeline between Montreal and Valleyfield. Its untimely demise in 1912 highlights the challenges of early maritime operations and the dangers inherent in transporting cargo on river vessels. The tragic loss of twelve lives serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety protocols in maritime practices. The Cecilia L. remains a significant historical vessel, reflecting the economic and technological conditions of its time.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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