Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: D. A. Gordon
- Type: Wooden propeller cargo vessel
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: L. Scagel’s yard, Wallaceburg, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 115.3 ft (35.1 m); Beam 23.2 ft (7.1 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 148 gt; Net Tonnage: 94 nt
- Location: Off Wallaceburg, Ontario, on the St. Clair River
- Official Number: 116482
- Original Owners: Thunder Bay Importing Company of Wallaceburg
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The D. A. Gordon is classified as a wooden propeller cargo vessel, designed for local trade on the St. Clair River and surrounding waters.
Description
Constructed in 1902, the D. A. Gordon was a wooden vessel measuring 115.3 feet in length, with a beam of 23.2 feet and a depth of 7 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 148 and a net tonnage of 94. Initially launched as a propeller-driven vessel, it underwent significant changes throughout its operational life.
History
The D. A. Gordon was launched in 1902 and primarily operated on the St. Clair River. In 1905, it suffered a fire, was rebuilt, and returned to service. By 1907, it was owned by the Thunder Bay Importing Company. After a second fire, it was converted to an unpowered barge. On April 20, 1909, it caught fire again and was destroyed offshore near Wallaceburg, with no loss of life reported.
Significant Incidents
- 1905: Suffered a fire and was rebuilt.
- 1909 (April 20): Caught fire and was destroyed offshore near Wallaceburg; no loss of life reported.
Final Disposition
The D. A. Gordon was declared a total loss on April 20, 1909, after being destroyed by fire. The vessel likely sank or was abandoned, and its registry was cancelled following the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the D. A. Gordon has not been located. It is presumed to have been destroyed by fire and likely sank or drifted to near-shore. No documented site access exists, and it is presumed to be underwater or salvaged.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”d-a-gordon-us-116482″ title=”References & Links”]
The D. A. Gordon had a brief operational life marked by local trade service and multiple fire incidents, culminating in its destruction in 1909. This vessel serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wooden steam vessels during the early 20th century.
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