Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS China
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven freight steamer
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: William Power & Co., Kingston, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 129 ft (39.3 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 355 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 27 m / 90 ft
- Location: Timber Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: N43° 58.331′ / W76° 46.342′
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: John Proctor, Hamilton, ON
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SS China was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven freight steamer built for the Western Express Line, designed for heavy cargo transport across Lake Ontario.
Description
At 355 tons, the China represented mid-19th century Canadian lake freighter design, primarily involved in bulk shipments of pig iron and industrial goods.
History
Launched in 1872, the China operated under the ownership of John Proctor, serving routes between Kingston and Hamilton.
Significant Incidents
- On 13 October 1872, the China caught fire near Kingston, leading to the total loss of the vessel and her cargo.
- All passengers and crew were successfully evacuated by nearby vessels, including the America and City of London.
Final Disposition
The wreck settled off Timber Island in 90 ft (27 m) of water. The vessel and cargo were valued at approximately $34,000 at the time of loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is fully submerged and poses no navigational hazard. Modern dive surveys have documented machinery remains and visible cargo on the lakebed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”china-1872″ title=”References & Links”]
The SS China remains an important historical site for divers and researchers, showcasing the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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