Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Emma Munson
• Type: Wooden Screw Tugboat
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: George H. Notter, Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 64.5 ft (19.7 m); Beam: 12.1 ft (3.7 m); Depth of hold: 6.8 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 32 tons
• Location: Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence River
• Official Number: C 61169
• Original Owners: McNaughton & Co., Montreal, Quebec

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Emma Munson, originally the Eli Schriver, was a wooden screw tugboat designed for towing and utility work on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Built in Buffalo in 1873, the vessel was a vital asset in the maritime industries of the region. Over its operational years, the Emma Munson was involved in harbour operations, towing dredges, and general transport.

Description

The Emma Munson was constructed in 1873 and served primarily under A. E. Munson of Cobourg, Ontario. The tugboat was utilized for towing barges and assisting with harbour duties. It underwent a rebuild in 1886, maintaining its gross tonnage of 32 tons. The vessel changed ownership several times throughout its operational life, reflecting its utility and demand in the region.

History

Constructed in Buffalo, New York, in 1873, the vessel began its service under A. E. Munson of Cobourg, Ontario, primarily towing barges and assisting with harbour duties. The vessel underwent a rebuild in 1886, maintaining its gross tonnage of 32 tons. Ownership of the tug shifted several times, reflecting its utility and demand in the region.

Significant Incidents

• Incident with Dredge Munson: In 1890, the Emma Munson was towing the dredge Munson back to Belleville from Kingston when the dredge sank near Collins Bay, Lake Ontario. The tug survived the incident and returned to service.

Final Disposition

The Emma Munson met its final fate years later in Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands, where it was deliberately burned and sank. The reasons for its burning remain speculative, possibly due to decommissioning practices or accidental fire.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible to divers in the Alexandria Bay area. The cold freshwater environment of the St. Lawrence River has likely preserved much of the wooden structure, making it an intriguing site for underwater exploration.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Emma Munson‘s story encapsulates the evolving utility of tugboats during the late 19th century and their significance in the industrial and maritime networks of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its rediscovery by Bob Sherwood has reignited interest in this humble yet historically important vessel. The accessible wreck continues to contribute to the region’s rich underwater cultural heritage.