Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Niagara II (formerly Rideaulite, Imperial Lachine, Niagara, W.M. Edington)
• Type: Artificial Reef / Wreck
• Year Built: 1930
• Builder: Imperial Oil Ltd.
• Dimensions: Length: 175 ft (53.3 m); Beam: 35.2 ft (10.7 m); Depth: 12.9 ft (3.9 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 723 Gross Tonnage, 343 Net Tonnage
• Depth at Wreck Site: 33 m / 100 ft
• Location: Off Tobermory, Ontario
• Coordinates: N 45° 15.052′ W 081° 36.030′
• Official Number: C 155286
• Original Owners: Imperial Oil Ltd., Holden Sand & Gravel Ltd., McKeil Marine Ltd.
• Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Life and Legacy of the Rideaulite (Later Niagara II): From Tanker to Artificial Reef

Description

The Rideaulite, a vessel with a dynamic and transformative career, serves as a fascinating case study of maritime adaptation and innovation. Originally built as a petroleum tanker, the Rideaulite underwent multiple conversions, from a sand dredge to a self-unloading vessel, and finally to a barge, before its ultimate role as an artificial reef. Each phase of its life reflects not only the evolving needs of the maritime industry on the Great Lakes but also the ingenuity required to repurpose ships for new demands.

History

1930–1947: Imperial Oil Service – The Birth of Rideaulite

The Rideaulite was launched in 1930, constructed by Imperial Oil Ltd. to transport petroleum products across the vast expanse of the Great Lakes. Built with robust steel construction and equipped with a screw propulsion system, the Rideaulite was engineered for durability and reliability. Its primary role was to ferry petroleum between refineries and distribution points across the Great Lakes region.

1947–1954: Renamed Imperial Lachine – Continuing Service

In 1947, the Rideaulite was renamed Imperial Lachine as part of a fleet-wide standardization effort by Imperial Oil Ltd.. The years following World War II brought about significant changes in maritime operations, and the vessel’s future became increasingly uncertain.

1954–1984: Transformation into Niagara and Niagara II – A New Purpose

In 1954, the vessel was sold to Holden Sand & Gravel Ltd. and transformed into a self-unloading sand dredge, renamed Niagara. The conversion involved retrofitting the vessel with dredging equipment and installing a Caterpillar diesel engine in 1972.

1984–1990: The Final Transformation – From Ship to Barge

In 1984, the vessel was acquired by McKeil Marine Ltd. and converted into a non-self-propelled barge for heavy cargo transport. By the late 1980s, the vessel was retired from commercial service.

Significant Incidents

• 1930: Launched as Rideaulite.
• 1947: Renamed Imperial Lachine.
• 1954: Sold and converted to sand dredge, renamed Niagara.
• 1984: Converted to barge by McKeil Marine Ltd.
• 1999: Deliberately sunk to become an artificial reef.

Final Disposition

On May 15, 1999, the vessel was deliberately sunk near Tobermory, Ontario, in Georgian Bay. This marked the final chapter in the vessel’s storied history, transforming it into a thriving artificial reef and dive site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is marked as a shipwreck on navigational charts. Dive conditions are generally stable, but divers must be cautious of thermoclines and occasional currents. Visibility varies but is often favorable.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”niagara-iirideaulite-imperial-lachine-niagara-w-m-edington-c-155286″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the Rideaulite, later the Niagara II, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of maritime vessels. Today, the Niagara II stands as a living monument to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, fostering marine biodiversity and offering divers a unique window into the past.

Niagara 2 Sinking – Drew Wilder Photos