Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Muriel W (formerly Veronica)
- Type: Wooden-hulled bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co.
- Dimensions: 202 ft × 34.5 ft × 19 ft (61.6 m × 10.5 m × 5.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,093 GRT / 881 NRT
- Location: Near Port Weller, Ontario, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: US 161560; Canadian C138505
- Original Owners: Milwaukee Tug Boat Co., Tonawanda Iron & Steel Co., Standard Navigation Co., Canadian Import Co.
- Number of Masts: 2 decks, centreboard rigging
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Veronica was a purpose-built wooden bulk freighter enhanced for winter operations, with centreboard, robust hull reinforcement, and a steam engine. She reflects the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping, blending sailing features with steam power.
Description
Veronica was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter designed for carrying bulk freight, likely grain or coal. The vessel featured a reinforced bow and ice framing, making it suitable for winter navigation. It was powered by a 625 hp compound engine and had a single screw propulsion system.
History
- 1886–1906: Operated in coal, iron ore, and grain trades under US registry and Milwaukee Tug Boat Co., later Tonawanda Iron & Steel Co.
- 1906: Grounded in the Niagara River near Buffalo; subsequently lightered and repaired.
- 1913–1918: Ownership passed to Standard Navigation Co. (Buffalo), then sold to Canadian Import Co. (Montreal), later renamed Muriel W following redocumentation.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded in the Niagara River in 1906.
- Struck a submerged crib marking the Welland Canal entrance in heavy fog on 11 August 1919, leading to its sinking.
Final Disposition
On 11 August 1919, while approaching Port Weller in heavy fog, Muriel W struck a submerged crib marking the Welland Canal entrance. The hull suffered catastrophic damage and sank; subsequently, it broke in two amid worsening weather. The crew escaped in the yawl and reached Amherstburg the following morning.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No formal underwater archaeological survey or wreck identification is documented. Given the wreck’s position near shipping lanes and the Welland Canal exit, debris likely compromised navigation until removal. No coordinates or dives known.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”muriel-w-c-138505veronica-us-161560″ title=”References & Links”]
Veronica/Muriel W was an advanced wooden bulk freighter built for winter cargo service on the Great Lakes. After over 30 years of durability—including grounding repairs and repowering—she met her end in 1919, colliding with a submerged navigational structure in poor visibility. Her sinking added to navigational caution around the Welland Canal exit but resulted in no loss of life. Although her remains are not officially surveyed, she contributes to the industrial and navigational heritage of Lake Ontario.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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