Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hamilton
- Type: Steambarge
- Year Built: 1891
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: West Lake, Prince Edward County, Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates undisclosed
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Names: Maggie R (Tugboat) and Hamilton (Steambarge)
Description
Maggie R (Tugboat):
- Year Built: 1907
- Primary Use: Towing barges, ice clearing, and assisting with dredging operations on the Great Lakes.
- Design: A robust and versatile tugboat capable of enduring challenging conditions and supporting various maritime operations.
Hamilton (Steambarge):
Year Built: 1891
- Primary Use: Transportation of bulk goods such as grain, coal, and other commodities.
- Design: A steam-powered barge, durable and reliable, vital to the economic activities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
Maggie R:
- Built in 1907, the Maggie R served as a reliable tug on the Great Lakes.
- Involved in various roles over decades, reflecting the adaptability required in the evolving maritime industry.
- Its design and durability made it a key player in towing and dredging operations.
Hamilton:
- Constructed in 1891, the Hamilton played a significant role in the Great Lakes trade networks.
- Transported critical goods for the industrial and agricultural sectors of the region.
- Known for its sturdy construction, it was a dependable steambarge for years.
Significant Incidents
- Both vessels, alongside an unidentified barge, were abandoned in West Lake after their operational usefulness ended.
- In September 2022, the Canadian government removed them as part of an initiative to clear derelict ships.
- The effort aimed to improve safety and address environmental concerns in inland waters.
Final Disposition
Both vessels were removed from West Lake in September 2022, reflecting a balance between environmental conservation and the preservation of historical records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Maggie R and Hamilton are no longer accessible for exploration or diving as they have been completely removed from West Lake. The dredging operation was a complex task, highlighting the challenges of handling historical wrecks in inland environments.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hamilton-steambarge” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The removal of the Maggie R and Hamilton from West Lake marks the end of their physical legacy but ensures their stories remain preserved as part of Canadian maritime history. These vessels played crucial roles in the economic and industrial development of the Great Lakes region, and their absence from the lake is a reminder of the evolving priorities in balancing heritage preservation and environmental stewardship.
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
- Names: Maggie R (Tugboat) and Hamilton (Steambarge)
- Location: West Lake, Prince Edward County, Ontario
- Depth: Not specified, removed in September 2022
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates undisclosed
- Condition: Removed by the Government of Canada in 2022
Vessel Type Description
Maggie R (Tugboat):
- Year Built: 1907
- Primary Use: Towing barges, ice clearing, and assisting with dredging operations on the Great Lakes.
- Design: A robust and versatile tugboat capable of enduring challenging conditions and supporting various maritime operations.
Hamilton (Steambarge):
Year Built: 1891
- Primary Use: Transportation of bulk goods such as grain, coal, and other commodities.
- Design: A steam-powered barge, durable and reliable, vital to the economic activities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
Maggie R:
- Built in 1907, the Maggie R served as a reliable tug on the Great Lakes.
- Involved in various roles over decades, reflecting the adaptability required in the evolving maritime industry.
- Its design and durability made it a key player in towing and dredging operations.
Hamilton:
- Constructed in 1891, the Hamilton played a significant role in the Great Lakes trade networks.
- Transported critical goods for the industrial and agricultural sectors of the region.
- Known for its sturdy construction, it was a dependable steambarge for years.
Final Disposition
Both vessels, alongside an unidentified barge, were abandoned in West Lake after their operational usefulness ended. In September 2022, the Canadian government removed them as part of an initiative to clear derelict ships. The effort aimed to improve safety and address environmental concerns in inland waters.
Current Condition & Accessibility
- The Maggie R and Hamilton are no longer accessible for exploration or diving as they have been completely removed from West Lake.
- The dredging operation was a complex task, highlighting the challenges of handling historical wrecks in inland environments.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Maggie R and Hamilton represent key components of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. Their decades of service underscore the importance of tugboats and barges in supporting the region’s economy and infrastructure. Their removal from West Lake reflects a balance between environmental conservation and the preservation of historical records.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Historical Records
- Government of Canada: Information on dredging and shipwreck removal operations.
- West Lake Heritage and Maritime Society: Insights into regional maritime history and heritage.
Keywords•#MaggieR•#Hamilton•#WestLake•#Tugboat•#Steambarge•#GreatLakesMaritimeHistory•#ShipwreckRemoval•#EnvironmentalConservation•#PrinceEdwardCounty•#CanadianMaritimeHeritage
Conclusion
The removal of the Maggie R and Hamilton from West Lake marks the end of their physical legacy but ensures their stories remain preserved as part of Canadian maritime history. These vessels played crucial roles in the economic and industrial development of the Great Lakes region, and their absence from the lake is a reminder of the evolving priorities in balancing heritage preservation and environmental stewardship.
hamilton-steambarge 2022-09-14 07:50:00