McArthur (1877)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: McArthur
• Type: Wooden-Hulled Tugboat (Towboat)
• Year Built: 1877
• Builder: George Chaffey & Brothers, Portsmouth, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 103 ft (31.4 m); Beam: 24.6 ft (7.5 m); Depth of hold: 8.1 ft (2.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 169; Net Tonnage: 77
• Location: Collins Bay, Lake Ontario, approximately 8 miles west of Kingston, Ontario
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Original Owners: W. Leslie (principal owner)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The McArthur was a wooden tugboat built to support the thriving logging and shipbuilding industries on Lake Ontario. Known as towboats, these vessels were essential for towing large timber rafts, assisting larger ships, and conducting salvage and general support operations. The McArthur was specifically designed for the Collins Bay Rafting Co., a key player in the regional maritime economy of the 19th century.

Description

The McArthur served diligently from its construction in 1877 until its untimely destruction in 1890. Built by the renowned George Chaffey & Brothers shipyard in Portsmouth, Ontario, it was part of a fleet integral to the transportation of timber and machinery.

History

On April 25, 1890, the McArthur was engaged in raising machinery from the wreck of the steamer Armstrong in Collins Bay. Shortly after the successful salvage operation, the tug caught fire, leading to its destruction.

• The fire consumed the McArthur down to the waterline, resulting in a total loss.
• The vessel was valued between $15,000 and $18,000, with only partial insurance coverage.
• Salvaged machinery valued at $25,000 was lost, causing a financial setback for the principal owner, W. Leslie.

Significant Incidents

Following the fire, the remains were taken to Davis Dry-dock, where the shaft, wheels, and other machinery were removed for salvage. Plans to convert the remaining hull into a barge were considered but not realized. Salvaged parts were transported by the schooner Philo Bennett to Collins Bay, where they were incorporated into the construction of a new steel tugboat during the following winter.

Final Disposition

The McArthur was destroyed by fire on April 25, 1890, marking the end of its operational life. The wreck site is located in Collins Bay, Lake Ontario, but there is no definitive record of whether significant remains are visible today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The McArthur was largely consumed by fire, leaving minimal remains. If wreckage persists, it is likely scattered and submerged in Collins Bay. Divers and researchers exploring the area should be mindful of its historical significance and ensure responsible exploration practices.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the McArthur underscores the inherent dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, particularly those engaged in industrial and salvage operations. Its destruction caused significant financial losses but also highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the maritime community, demonstrated by the salvaging and repurposing of its components. The wreck site in Collins Bay serves as a testament to the era’s industrial significance and the enduring challenges of navigating and working on Lake Ontario.