Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Napanne
- Type: Small Steamer
- Year Built: Early 19th century (estimated)
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Kingston, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Small steam-powered vessel
Function: Likely used for passenger transport, mail, or freight—common for early Ontario steamers
Significance: Reflects early development of steam navigation in Upper Canada
Description
The Napanne was a small steam-powered vessel that operated in the early 19th century. It was likely utilized for various purposes including passenger transport, mail delivery, and freight services, which were typical for steamers of that era in Ontario.
History
According to the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser dated June 18, 1840, the Napanne was accidentally burned at Kingston, Ontario, on June 13, 1840. The details surrounding the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain undocumented, but it is noted that the vessel was completely destroyed.
Significant Incidents
- Accidental fire occurred at dock in Kingston, Ontario.
- No casualties reported from the incident.
Final Disposition
The Napanne was lost to an accidental fire, resulting in total destruction of the vessel. The incident highlights the risks associated with early steam navigation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the vessel was completely destroyed in the fire, there are no remains or wreckage to explore at the site of the incident.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”napanne-1840″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Napanne serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early steam vessels in Upper Canada. Further research may uncover more details about its construction and operational history.
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.
Napanne (Small Steamer – Burned, June 1840, Kingston, Ontario)
Incident Overview
According to the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (June 18, 1840), a small steamer named Napane was accidentally burned at Kingston, Ontario, “on Saturday last.” This places the incident on June 13, 1840.
Site & Timing of Loss
- Location: Kingston, Ontario (most likely at one of the city’s active steamship slips or wharves)
- Date of Incident: Saturday, June 13, 1840 (based on “Saturday last” and publication date)
- Circumstances: Accidental fire—details of cause or damage undocumented beyond total destruction
Vessel Information
- Type: Small steam-powered vessel
- Function: Likely used for passenger transport, mail, or freight—common for early Ontario steamers
- Significance: Reflects early development of steam navigation in Upper Canada
Archival References
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, June 18, 1840, p. 3 (local paper referencing event in Kingston)
- Next steps for research:
- Locate a June 1840 edition (or microfilm) of the Kingston Chronicle or British Whig—both were active at the time and likely covered the incident
- Contact Archives of Ontario or the City of Kingston Archives for municipal fire or vessel records
- Examine 1830–1840 steamship registries or insurance ledgers for a vessel named “Napanee” or similar
Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Nappance |
| Type | Small steamer |
| Built | Early 19th century (estimated) |
| Lost | June 13, 1840 |
| Location | Kingston, Ontario |
| Cause | Accidental fire at dock |
| Casualties | None reported |