Lady Colborne (1832)

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

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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.