Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ELLA ROSS (formerly GIPSEY)
- Type: Paddlewheel Passenger Steamer (Sidewheel Steamer)
- Year Built: 1879
- Builder: William Webster, Montreal, Canada
- Dimensions: Length: 99 ft (30 m); Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 325 tons
- Location: Parry Sound Wharf, Ontario
- Official Number: 77589
- Original Owners: J. D. Murphy, Captain W. Garrett, Rathbun Company, Deseronto Navigation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ELLA ROSS, originally named GIPSEY, was a paddlewheel passenger steamer designed for travel on rivers and lakes in Ontario, Canada.
Description
The ELLA ROSS was a 99-foot long vessel with a gross tonnage of 325 tons. It featured a horizontal low-pressure engine with 85 horsepower, built in Kingston. The steamer was known for its picturesque routes and reliable service.
History
The GIPSEY was launched in 1879 and initially operated between Kingston and Toronto. In 1887, it was purchased by Captain W. Garrett and renamed ELLA ROSS, becoming a vital transport link between Montreal, Kingston, and Ottawa.
Significant Incidents
- On June 5, 1912, the ELLA ROSS was destroyed by fire while docked at Parry Sound Wharf.
- The fire resulted in a total loss estimated at $6,000, including the vessel and onboard equipment.
- No casualties were reported during the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the ELLA ROSS was left abandoned at Parry Sound Wharf, deteriorating over time. Only fragments of the wooden hull may remain, buried under sediment or debris.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is not a prominent diving destination due to its deteriorated state and proximity to an active harbor area. The remains are largely decayed and may not be easily accessible.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ella-ross-gipsey-c-77589″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The ELLA ROSS represents a significant chapter in Ontario’s maritime history, symbolizing the importance of waterborne transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its legacy continues to resonate as a testament to the ingenuity of maritime transport.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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