Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ELEANOR
- Type: Wooden Steam Tugboat
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: W. Guthrie
- Dimensions: Length 47 ft (14.3 m); Beam 10.3 ft (3.1 m); Depth of hold 6.8 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 22 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: Off Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates are not widely documented.
- Original Owners: John Chaffey; J. Francis Swift; Charles Gildersleeve
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ELEANOR was a wooden steam tugboat constructed in 1866 at Bedford Mills, Ontario, by W. Guthrie. The vessel was designed for towing and assistance operations, typical of steam tugs in the Lake Ontario region.
Description
The ELEANOR was a carvel-built vessel with a rounded stern and a single deck. Steam-powered tugs like the ELEANOR were vital to regional maritime operations, including towing, assisting in docking, and navigating challenging waterways.
History
The ELEANOR was commissioned by John Chaffey and operated out of Kingston, Ontario, contributing significantly to local transportation and maritime activities.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On May 14, 1891, the ELEANOR sank while towing two coal barges near Pigeon Island, Lake Ontario, after it sprung a leak. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it quickly sank to a depth of 100 feet. The crew escaped unharmed, but the tug, valued at $2,000, was uninsured.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies off Pigeon Island in Lake Ontario at a depth of approximately 100 feet (30 meters). While its exact location is not widely documented, the site is known among local divers and historians.
Due to the wooden construction and the time elapsed since its sinking, the wreck is expected to be in a deteriorated state. However, it remains a historically significant artifact, illustrating the challenges and risks faced by steam tugs in the 19th century.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is known to be in a deteriorated state due to its wooden construction and the time since sinking. Divers should be aware of the conditions and potential hazards.
Resources & Links
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The sinking of the ELEANOR highlights the perils of steam-powered maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Though small in size, the vessel played a vital role in Kingston’s maritime history, and its wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated these waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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