Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ivy
- Type: Sidewheel Steamboat
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Montreal, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length: Approximately 100 ft (30.5 m); Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 76 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.1 m / 7 ft
- Location: Hull, Quebec
- Original Owners: W. G. Perley, D. Murphy
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ivy was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed for towing operations on the waterways of Quebec and Ontario. With a single deck and a gross tonnage of 76 tons, the vessel was designed to tow goods and other vessels, playing a vital support role in regional commerce. Its 26×84 engine powered its sidewheels, though the manufacturer remains unknown, leaving part of the vessel’s technical history a mystery.
Description
The Ivy was launched in 1874 in Montreal by G. Smith and quickly began operations as a towboat. It changed ownership several times during its service life:
- 1877: Owned by W. G. Perley of Ottawa, the vessel became a key part of towing operations in the region.
- 1886: Ownership transferred to D. Murphy, also based in Ottawa, continuing its use in maritime transport and logistical support.
The Ivy’s role as a towboat made it an essential component of the regional maritime network, supporting trade and transportation in the burgeoning economies along the waterways. Despite its modest size, the vessel was known for its reliability and effectiveness in its role.
History
The Ivy met its demise when it was destroyed by fire in Hull, Quebec, at an unspecified date. Fires were a constant risk for wooden vessels, especially steamers, due to the combination of flammable materials and engine operations. The loss of the Ivy highlights the vulnerabilities of such vessels, which, despite their utility, faced significant operational hazards.
Significant Incidents
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Ivy, as its wreck has not been formally located or marked.
Final Disposition
The Ivy exemplifies the vital role of sidewheel steamers in 19th-century Canadian maritime history. These vessels were indispensable for towing operations, facilitating the movement of goods and vessels across critical waterways. The Ivy’s destruction by fire underscores the ever-present risks faced by wooden steamships and the challenges of operating in a period of evolving maritime technology. Though lost to history, the Ivy remains an important part of the narrative of transportation and trade in Quebec and Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Ivy wreck is unknown, as it has not been located. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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As a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, the Ivy serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our underwater heritage. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting these historical sites.
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