Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Gilly
- Type: Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1916
- Builder: Anse St. Jean, Quebec
- Dimensions: 73 ft (22.25 m); 28 ft; Depth of hold not specified
- Registered Tonnage: 94
- Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Goderich, Ontario
- Coordinates: Approximately 12 miles north of Goderich, Ontario
- Official Number: C138139
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as a schooner, the Gilly was converted into a wooden steam tug in 1920.
Description
The Gilly measured 73 feet in length and 28 feet in beam, with a gross tonnage of 94. After her conversion from a schooner to a steam tug, she was employed in towing operations on the Great Lakes.
History
On September 18, 1937, while en route from Southampton, Ontario, to Sarnia with a cargo of 35,000 cedar posts, the Gilly was under tow by the tug Superior. During the voyage, the towline parted, causing the Gilly to drift ashore approximately 12 miles north of Goderich, Ontario, in an area known as the “Goderich Gap.” Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, she was declared a total loss. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the small Goderich vessel Annamac.
Significant Incidents
- September 18, 1937: The Gilly lost its towline and drifted ashore, leading to its total loss.
Final Disposition
The Gilly stranded and was lost near Goderich, Ontario, in September 1937. The vessel was not salvaged and remains in the vicinity of her stranding.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no specific records detailing the discovery or survey of the Gilly‘s wreckage. No current navigational obstructions or advisories are associated with the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”gilly-b-et-t-c-138139″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Gilly highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in areas like the “Goderich Gap.” Her transition from a schooner to a steam tug reflects the evolving maritime industry during the early 20th century.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name: Gilly (also known as Gilley)
- Former Name: B. et T.
- Registration Number: C138139
- Date Built and Launched: 1916
- Builder: Anse St. Jean, Quebec
- Date Lost: September 18, 1937
- Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Goderich, Ontario, Lake Huron
Vessel Type
Originally constructed as a schooner, the Gilly was converted into a wooden steam tug in 1920.
Description
The Gilly measured 73 feet in length and 28 feet in beam, with a gross tonnage of 94. After her conversion from a schooner to a steam tug, she was employed in towing operations on the Great Lakes.
History
On September 18, 1937, while en route from Southampton, Ontario, to Sarnia with a cargo of 35,000 cedar posts, the Gilly was under tow by the tug Superior. During the voyage, the towline parted, causing the Gilly to drift ashore approximately 12 miles north of Goderich, Ontario, in an area known as the “Goderich Gap.” Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, she was declared a total loss. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the small Goderich vessel Annamac.
Final Disposition
The Gilly stranded and was lost near Goderich, Ontario, in September 1937. The vessel was not salvaged and remains in the vicinity of her stranding.
Located By & Date Found
There are no specific records detailing the discovery or survey of the Gilly‘s wreckage.
Notmars & Advisories
No current navigational obstructions or advisories are associated with the wreck of the Gilly.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The loss of the Gilly highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in areas like the “Goderich Gap.” Her transition from a schooner to a steam tug reflects the evolving maritime industry during the early 20th century.
Suggested Keywords and Categories
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Gilly Steam Tug
- Goderich Maritime History
- Cedar Post Transport
- 20th Century Great Lakes Navigation
Glossary Terms
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged.
- Steam Tug: A steam-powered vessel designed for towing or assisting other vessels.
- Stranded: A maritime term indicating a vessel has run aground or is unable to move from its position due to navigational challenges or environmental conditions.