Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: JOHN BY
- Type: Sternwheel steamer
- Year Built: 1832
- Builder: John Kirby, Kingston, Ontario
- Dimensions: 110 ft (33.5 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 100 tons
- Location: Wrecked near Port Credit, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates are unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The JOHN BY was a sternwheel steamer, a type of paddle steamer where the paddles are located at the rear (stern) of the vessel. It was designed to transport passengers and freight, offering a vital service on Lake Ontario. The vessel was constructed with a wooden hull and was equipped with a high-pressure steam engine, one of the first on the Great Lakes. The sternwheel design was meant to help the vessel navigate the calm waters of the Rideau Canal, but its handling proved problematic on the open waters of Lake Ontario.
Description
The JOHN BY was built in 1832 in Kingston, Ontario, by John Kirby. The steamer was named after Colonel John By, the engineer responsible for constructing the Rideau Canal. The vessel was initially intended to operate on the Rideau Canal, but due to a miscalculation in its dimensions, it was found to be about four feet too wide for the canal locks. Consequently, the directors of the canal decided to operate the steamer on the St. Lawrence River instead. However, the positioning of the paddles at the stern of the vessel, coupled with the vacuum effect created in rough seas, led to poor handling on open water.
History
The exact circumstances and date of the loss of the JOHN BY are not well-documented. It is believed that the steamer was wrecked near Port Credit, a few miles from Toronto, during a storm. The specific details surrounding the wreck, including the fate of the crew and any casualties, remain unknown. The vessel’s high-pressure steam engine, described as being “built for roasting passengers,” suggests it may have had reliability and safety issues, which could have contributed to its eventual demise.
Significant Incidents
- The JOHN BY was miscalculated in its dimensions, being too wide for the Rideau Canal locks.
- It was eventually operated on the St. Lawrence River but faced handling issues in rough waters.
- Believed to have been wrecked during a storm near Port Credit.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the JOHN BY has not been located, and the exact date of the wreck is not recorded. The ship is considered lost, and any physical remnants are likely unrecoverable due to the passage of time and the harsh lake conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the wreck is unknown, as it has not been discovered or surveyed. The wreck is not accessible to divers or researchers, and it remains one of the many lost vessels of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
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As a part of the maritime history of the Great Lakes, the JOHN BY serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early steam-powered vessels. While its exact location remains a mystery, the legacy of the JOHN BY continues to intrigue maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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