Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Governor
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Beneath the Cataraqui Bridge, Kingston, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner
Description
The Governor was a wooden schooner that sank beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario, becoming a significant obstruction to navigation in the area.
History
While specific details about the construction, ownership, and operational history of the Governor are scarce, its final chapter is notably documented. By the early 1870s, the sunken vessel posed a hazard to maritime traffic beneath the Cataraqui Bridge. In an effort to remove this obstruction, two attempts were made to destroy the hull using nitroglycerine charges. Unfortunately, both attempts failed to achieve the desired result.
Tragically, during one of these operations in 1873, an individual named Little was killed when a nitroglycerine charge detonated unexpectedly. This incident underscores the dangers associated with early explosive demolition techniques and highlights the challenges faced in maintaining safe navigation channels during that period.
Significant Incidents
- 1873: Fatal incident during demolition attempt when a nitroglycerine charge detonated, resulting in the death of an individual named Little.
Final Disposition
The Governor remained submerged beneath the Cataraqui Bridge, continuing to obstruct navigation despite demolition efforts. The ultimate fate of the vessel—whether it was eventually removed, dismantled, or left to decay—is not clearly documented in available historical records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The sunken Governor was recognized as a navigational hazard beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario. Mariners operating in this area during the 1870s would have been advised to exercise caution due to the obstruction posed by the submerged vessel.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”governor-old-governor” title=”References & Links”]
The Governor serves as a historical example of the challenges associated with maritime navigation and infrastructure maintenance in the 19th century. The failed demolition attempts and resulting fatality highlight the limitations of contemporary technology and the inherent risks of underwater salvage operations during that era.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Governor (also referred to as “Old Schooner Governor”)
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Date Lost: Prior to 1873
- Final Disposition: Sunken and obstructing navigation beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner
Description
The Governor was a wooden schooner that sank beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario, becoming a significant obstruction to navigation in the area.
History
While specific details about the construction, ownership, and operational history of the Governor are scarce, its final chapter is notably documented. By the early 1870s, the sunken vessel posed a hazard to maritime traffic beneath the Cataraqui Bridge. In an effort to remove this obstruction, two attempts were made to destroy the hull using nitroglycerine charges. Unfortunately, both attempts failed to achieve the desired result.
Tragically, during one of these operations in 1873, an individual named Little was killed when a nitroglycerine charge detonated unexpectedly. This incident underscores the dangers associated with early explosive demolition techniques and highlights the challenges faced in maintaining safe navigation channels during that period .
Final Disposition
The Governor remained submerged beneath the Cataraqui Bridge, continuing to obstruct navigation despite demolition efforts. The ultimate fate of the vessel—whether it was eventually removed, dismantled, or left to decay—is not clearly documented in available historical records.
Located By & Date Found
Specific details regarding the discovery or initial documentation of the Governor‘s wreck are not available in the consulted sources.
Notmars & Advisories
The sunken Governor was recognized as a navigational hazard beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario. Mariners operating in this area during the 1870s would have been advised to exercise caution due to the obstruction posed by the submerged vessel.
Resources & Links
- Glanbrook Heritage Society – Deaths in 1873: Provides an account of the fatal incident involving the nitroglycerine charge during the attempted demolition of the Governor.
- Archive.org – Picturesque Spots of the North: Offers historical context about the Cataraqui Bridge and surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The Governor serves as a historical example of the challenges associated with maritime navigation and infrastructure maintenance in the 19th century. The failed demolition attempts and resulting fatality highlight the limitations of contemporary technology and the inherent risks of underwater salvage operations during that era.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
Keywords: Governor schooner, Cataraqui Bridge, Kingston shipwreck, 19th-century maritime hazards, nitroglycerine demolition, underwater obstructions
Categories: Maritime History, Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario, Navigational Hazards, 19th Century Shipwrecks, Canadian Maritime Incidents
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast.
- Cataraqui Bridge: A historical bridge in Kingston, Ontario, spanning the Cataraqui River.
- Nitroglycerine: A highly explosive compound used in demolition and blasting operations.
- Navigational Hazard: An obstacle or condition that poses a risk to the safe passage of vessels.
- Underwater Obstruction: Any submerged object that can impede or endanger navigation.