Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lady Colborne
- Type: Sidewheel Paddle Steamer
- Year Built: 1832
- Builder: Aylmer, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length: 100 ft (30.48 m); Beam: 34 ft (10.36 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Britannia Bay, Lake Deschênes, Ottawa River
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Sidewheel paddle steamer
Description
The Lady Colborne was a wooden-hulled sidewheel paddle steamer, measuring 100 feet (30.48 meters) in length and 34 feet (10.36 meters) in beam, powered by a 34-horsepower engine. Launched in 1832 at Aylmer, Quebec, she was among the earliest steam-powered vessels to navigate the upper Ottawa River.
History
Commissioned to enhance transportation and communication along the Ottawa River, the Lady Colborne played a pivotal role in the region’s development during the early 19th century. Her operations facilitated the movement of passengers and goods between settlements, contributing significantly to the economic growth of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. The vessel’s design, characterized by a shallow draft, allowed her to navigate the challenging waters of the Ottawa River, making her an essential asset for commerce and travel during that era.
Significant Incidents
- In 1845, the Lady Colborne met her demise due to a fire that led to her sinking in Britannia Bay on Lake Deschênes, part of the Ottawa River.
Final Disposition
In 1845, the Lady Colborne met her demise due to a fire that led to her sinking in Britannia Bay on Lake Deschênes, part of the Ottawa River. The exact circumstances surrounding the fire remain undocumented, but such incidents were not uncommon among wooden steamers of that period. Over time, her remains became a subject of interest for maritime historians and underwater archaeologists.
Current Condition & Accessibility
In the 1960s, members of the Underwater Society of Ottawa, led by André E. Lamirande, conducted explorations in the Ottawa River, uncovering several shipwrecks, including the Lady Colborne. Artifacts recovered from the wreck were displayed at the Wheelhouse Maritime Museum in Ottawa, which operated from 1965 to 1976. Currently, there are no specific notices or advisories related to the Lady Colborne wreck site. However, mariners navigating Lake Deschênes should exercise caution due to the presence of submerged hazards associated with historical shipwrecks in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lady-colborne-1832″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Lady Colborne stands as a testament to the pioneering days of steam navigation on the Ottawa River. Her service contributed to the economic and social development of the region, and her remains continue to offer valuable insights into early Canadian maritime history. Remember to respect the site and practice no-touch documentation methods while diving.
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
- Name: Lady Colborne
- Registration Number: Not available
- Date Built and Launched: 1832
- Measurements: Length: 100 feet (30.48 meters); Beam: 34 feet (10.36 meters)
- Date Lost: 1845
Vessel Type
Sidewheel paddle steamer
Description
The Lady Colborne was a wooden-hulled sidewheel paddle steamer, measuring 100 feet (30.48 meters) in length and 34 feet (10.36 meters) in beam, powered by a 34-horsepower engine. Launched in 1832 at Aylmer, Quebec, she was among the earliest steam-powered vessels to navigate the upper Ottawa River.
History
Commissioned to enhance transportation and communication along the Ottawa River, the Lady Colborne played a pivotal role in the region’s development during the early 19th century. Her operations facilitated the movement of passengers and goods between settlements, contributing significantly to the economic growth of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. The vessel’s design, characterized by a shallow draft, allowed her to navigate the challenging waters of the Ottawa River, making her an essential asset for commerce and travel during that era.
Final Disposition
In 1845, the Lady Colborne met her demise due to a fire that led to her sinking in Britannia Bay on Lake Deschênes, part of the Ottawa River. The exact circumstances surrounding the fire remain undocumented, but such incidents were not uncommon among wooden steamers of that period. Over time, her remains became a subject of interest for maritime historians and underwater archaeologists.
Located By & Date Found
In the 1960s, members of the Underwater Society of Ottawa, led by André E. Lamirande, conducted explorations in the Ottawa River, uncovering several shipwrecks, including the Lady Colborne. Artifacts recovered from the wreck were displayed at the Wheelhouse Maritime Museum in Ottawa, which operated from 1965 to 1976.
Notices to Mariners & Advisories
Currently, there are no specific notices or advisories related to the Lady Colborne wreck site. However, mariners navigating Lake Deschênes should exercise caution due to the presence of submerged hazards associated with historical shipwrecks in the area.
Resources & Links
- Wheelhouse Maritime Museum
- Steamboating on the Upper Ottawa – Ontario Heritage Trust
- Shipwrecks of the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal: 1823 – 1949
Conclusion
The Lady Colborne stands as a testament to the pioneering days of steam navigation on the Ottawa River. Her service contributed to the economic and social development of the region, and her remains continue to offer valuable insights into early Canadian maritime history.
Suggested Keywords: Lady Colborne, Ottawa River shipwrecks, Britannia Bay, Lake Deschênes, 19th-century steamers, Underwater Society of Ottawa, Wheelhouse Maritime Museum, Canadian maritime history
Categories: Maritime History, Shipwrecks, Canadian Transportation History
Glossary Terms:
- Sidewheel Paddle Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on either side.
- Shallow Draft: A design feature allowing vessels to navigate in shallow waters.
- Underwater Archaeology: The study of submerged artifacts and structures to understand past human activity.