Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Florence
- Type: Tug
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: La Compagnie Maritime et Industrielle de Lévis
- Dimensions: 91 x 19.8 x 9 ft (27.7 x 6.0 x 2.7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 113 tons gross; 77 tons net
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: Off Point Traverse, Lake Ontario
- Original Owners: Sincennes-McNaughton Line Ltd., Captain F. B. Hackett, Quebec Transportation and Forwarding Co., Ltd., George Hall Coal Co., Ltd., Dominion Tankers, Ltd.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Florence was a steam-powered tugboat built in 1885 by La Compagnie Maritime et Industrielle de Lévis in Lévis, Québec. Initially designed for towing ocean-going vessels between Montréal and Québec City, the tug was equipped with a compound surface condensing steam engine and a steel boiler, enabling high-pressure operations. Over its lifespan, the Florence served in diverse roles, including as a harbor tug, salvage tug, and coal transporter, reflecting its adaptability and importance to maritime operations on the Great Lakes and beyond.
Description
The Florence was launched on May 3, 1885, and began service in September of the same year, towing vessels between Montréal and Québec City. Measuring 91 x 19.8 x 9 feet, with a gross tonnage of 113 tons and a net tonnage of 77 tons, the tug was well-suited for heavy-duty operations.
History
Significant Incidents
On November 14, 1933, during a severe storm, the Florence tragically sank off Point Traverse, Ontario, while towing the Peter G. Campbell, a British-built welded tank barge. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it took on water and ultimately sank.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the Florence rests between 60 and 100 feet in Lake Ontario. In 1942, salvage operations recovered approximately 60% of the vessel, including the boiler, decking, and smokestack, which were deposited on Timber Island. The remaining hull and other components are now part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Florence lies accessible to experienced divers at depths ranging from 60 to 100 feet (18-30 meters). Although much of the vessel was salvaged, remaining portions, including the hull, offer significant historical value. Marked moorings make the site easier to locate and explore. Efforts to document the wreck, such as 3D modeling, are ongoing.
Resources & Links
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The Florence serves as a compelling example of the diverse roles played by tugs on the Great Lakes. Built in 1885, the vessel adapted to various maritime challenges, including towing, salvage, and cargo transport. Its long service life highlights its resilience and utility. The Florence’s tragic sinking during a storm in 1933 underscores the risks faced by even well-equipped vessels on the unpredictable Great Lakes. The wreck’s partial salvage in 1942 and the subsequent preservation efforts reflect its enduring historical significance. For divers and historians, the site offers a tangible connection to the technological advancements and operational challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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