Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alma Munro / Melbourne / John R.
- Type: Propeller-driven cargo steamer
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 176 ft (53.6 m); Beam 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 890
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Hamilton Waterworks, Hamilton, Ontario
- Coordinates: Available upon request
- Official Number: 71239
- Original Owners: Elgin Transportation Co., Port Stanley, ON
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Propeller-driven cargo steamer
Description
The Alma Munro was constructed with a wooden hull and underwent several modifications throughout its operational life. It was originally built in 1873 and was later lengthened and rebuilt, ultimately being renamed Melbourne and then John R.
History
The vessel’s maiden voyage occurred in June 1873, carrying grain from Chicago. It experienced a collision with the schooner Mary Copely in October 1873, but there were no major casualties. The ship was lengthened in 1884 and underwent a major rebuild in 1893, during which it was renamed Melbourne. In 1905, it suffered significant damage from a fire near Belleville, Ontario. The ship was rebuilt again in 1909 and renamed John R. It was ultimately scrapped in 1914.
Significant Incidents
- June 1873: Maiden voyage carrying grain from Chicago.
- October 1873: Collision with schooner Mary Copely at Port Colborne, Lake Erie — no major casualty.
- 1905: Fire near Belleville, ON (Montreal–Hamilton run) — significant damage.
Final Disposition
Upon scrapping in 1914, the hull was scuttled in shallow water near Hamilton Waterworks. It now rests in approximately 3 m of freshwater, making it accessible for shoreline divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in a protected cove, typically experiencing calm water conditions. Visibility ranges from 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft), depending on environmental factors. Divers should exercise caution due to potential entanglement hazards.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-r-c-126461-alma-munro-c-71239-melbourne” title=”References & Links”]
This wreck site offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history, showcasing the evolution of a vessel through various rebuilds and modifications. It serves as an accessible dive site for both novice and intermediate divers.
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
- Vessel Type: Propeller-driven cargo steamer
- Original Name: Alma Munro
- Official Number: 71239
- Construction: Wooden hull
- Built: 1873, Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Owner: Elgin Transportation Co., Port Stanley, ON
- Final Location: Hamilton Waterworks, Hamilton, Ontario
- Depth of Wreck: ~3 m (10 ft) fresh water
- Coordinates: Available upon request
Vessel Description & Modifications
| Phase | Length (ft) | Beam (ft) | Depth (ft) | GRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1873 (As-built) | 136 | 23 | 8 | 400 |
| 1884 (Lengthened) | 176 | 26 | 11 | 890 |
| 1893 (Rebuilt) | 180 | 26 | 11 | 894 |
Powered by:
- Original Engine: 30×36″ low-pressure steam engine by George N. Oille (~175 hp)
- 1893 Engine Upgrade: Steeple-type engine by Calvin & Company, Montreal
- Renamed: Melbourne (1893 rebuild), later John R. (1909 under new ownership)
History & Key Events
- June 1873: Maiden voyage carrying grain from Chicago
- October 1873: Collision with schooner Mary Copely at Port Colborne, Lake Erie — no major casualty
- 1884: Lengthened at W. Power Shipyard, Kingston
- 1893: Major rebuild and re-engine at Cantin Shipyard, Montreal; renamed Melbourne
- 1905: Fire near Belleville, ON (Montreal–Hamilton run) — significant damage
- 1909: Rebuilt and renamed John R. under new ownership
- 1914: Scrapped, ending operational life
Final Disposition & Dive Site
Upon scrapping in 1914, the hull was scuttled in shallow water near Hamilton Waterworks. Now resting in approximately 3 m of freshwater, the wreck lies within easy reach of shoreline divers.
Dive Information
- Access:
- ~500 m walk from Wild Waterworks parking via waterfront trail
- ~100 m swim to wreck site
- Visibility: 3–6 m (10–20 ft), depending on conditions
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate — very shallow freshwater dive
- Points of Interest:
- Remnants of wooden hull planking
- Possible engine components or boiler fragments
- Aquatic life colonizing the wreck
- Conditions & Safety:
- Calm water typical in protected cove
- Potential for entanglement; caution advised
- Nearest emergency: Hamilton General Hospital (911 for emergencies in Canada)
Significance
This underwater park offers a compelling glimpse into maritime engineering and trade in late 19th- to early 20th-century Canada—showcasing a vessel that evolved through rebuilds, renamings, fire, and engine upgrades across its lifetime. Its shallow, freshwater environment has preserved elements of structure and machinery, providing both accessible exploration and historical insight.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships database (Alma Munro / Melbourne / John R.)
- Local Hamilton dive guides & maps for wreck entry points
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
Tags: Alma Munro, Melbourne, John R., propeller steamer, Hamilton wreck, shallow dive, freshwater archaeology
Categories: Great Lakes Wrecks, Accessible Shallow-Water Dives, Maritime Heritage
Glossary: Gross Tonnage, Steeple Engine, Rebuilt, Scuttled, Wreck Dive Site