Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Clark Bros.
- Type: Wooden-hulled, screw passenger/freight ferry
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Abbey Brothers Shipyard
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Sunnyside Beach, Lake Ontario
- Original Owners: Toronto Ferry Company; transferred to TTC in 1927
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Clark Bros. is a wooden-hulled, screw passenger and freight ferry that served the Toronto Islands.
Description
The Clark Bros. was built in 1890 at Abbey Brothers Shipyard in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. It operated as both a freight and passenger ferry, primarily transporting individuals to the Toronto Islands. The vessel was transferred to the Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC) in 1927.
History
Throughout its service life, the Clark Bros. was subject to inspections, with a notable assessment in 1927 revealing cracked pistons and overall poor condition. This led to its decommissioning due to unsafe machinery and structural deterioration.
Significant Incidents
- Decommissioned due to unsafe machinery and structural deterioration.
- Inspected by TTC in 1927, found to have cracked pistons and overall poor condition.
Final Disposition
On June 30, 1930, the Clark Bros. was ceremonially burned at stake off Sunnyside Beach, Lake Ontario. This event was staged as a spectacle, drawing crowds who witnessed smoke, flames, and fireworks. The burning was part of a series of ceremonial disposals of retired ferries, including the John Hanlan in 1929.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the Clark Bros. no longer exists, having been completely consumed by the ceremonial fire. Photographs from the event are preserved in the City of Toronto Archives, showcasing the vessel engulfed in flames.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”clark-bros-1890″ title=”References & Links”]
The Clark Bros. ferry’s fate was unique, as it was intentionally burned in a public event rather than dismantled quietly. This spectacle, along with others, highlights the community’s engagement with maritime history and the farewell to obsolete vessels in Toronto’s harbor.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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