Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Duchess of York
- Type: Sidewheel steamer; later converted to barge for pulpwood
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Ottawa River
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Known to have multiple names/owners (exact owner history unclear)
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Sidewheel steamer; later converted to barge for pulpwood.
Description
Duchess of York was a paddle steamer (sidewheels) serving the Ottawa River. Originally built in 1895, she later was converted into a barge for hauling pulpwood.
History
The vessel entered service after construction in 1895. Over her career, she changed names: from Duchess of York to Sorel, then Pelerin, and finally Beloeil.
During her conversion phase, she was repurposed from passenger or excursion service (or general river steamer use) to industrial use as a pulpwood barge. She sank in 1945.
Significant Incidents
- 1945: Sank (exact cause not documented).
Final Disposition
Cause of loss: sank (exact cause not documented in source). Immediately after: unknown (no details on salvage, crew, or aftermath widely published). The wreck is known, but depth, condition, and exact underwater extent are not documented in the public summary.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Presumably boat/river access (Ottawa River). Entry Point: Likely near Carillon/Ottawa River riverports, but not precisely documented. Conditions: Probably river currents, variable visibility (not reliably documented). Depth Range: Unknown. Emergency Contacts/Permits/Dive Support: Not provided in the sources.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”duchess-of-york-later-sorel-pelerin-beloeil” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The wreck of the Duchess of York serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Ottawa River. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →