Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Okonra
- Type: Wooden screw propeller vessel
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: Owen Sound, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 59.8 ft (18.2 m); Beam 13.2 ft (4.0 m); Depth of hold 5.8 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 10 RT (1867); 52 RT (1877)
- Location: Wiarton Dock, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: Captain E. Dunn
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden screw propeller, small-scale utility vessel, primarily engaged in passenger service, towing, and log rafting operations in Georgian Bay.
Description
- Hull Material: Wood
- Length: 59.8 ft (18.2 m)
- Beam: 13.2 ft (4.0 m)
- Depth: 5.8 ft (1.8 m)
- Gross Tonnage: Initially 37 GT, later 77 GT
- Net/Registered Tonnage: 10 RT (1867); 52 RT (1877)
- Decks: One
- Propulsion: Screw (single propeller)
- Powerplant: Steam engine (specifics unknown)
History
- 1858: Constructed at Owen Sound, Ontario by Captain E. Dunn, who also retained ownership throughout the vessel’s entire operational life.
- 1867: Underwent a rebuild and was remeasured at 37 gross tons and 10 registered tons.
- 1869: Listed as operating in passenger and towing service across Georgian Bay.
- 1872–1875: Transitioned primarily to towing log rafts, a common use for smaller steamers in the timber trade.
- 1877: Final measurements indicated at 59.8 × 13.2 × 5.8 ft with 77 gross and 52 registered tons.
- 1878, September 5: Caught fire while docked at Wiarton, Ontario. Vessel was completely destroyed by fire.
Significant Incidents
- Burned at dock on September 5, 1878, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
The Okonra burned at dock at Wiarton, Ontario, and was a total loss. No fatalities were reported. The wreck remains were not preserved or marked.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No documented rediscovery or archaeological survey. Remains likely destroyed or dismantled post-fire.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”okonra-1858″ title=”References & Links”]
Okonra was a versatile Georgian Bay work vessel and is representative of the small wooden propellers that formed the backbone of localized commerce and timber operations during the mid-19th century. Her destruction by fire at Wiarton dock ended a two-decade service career under the same captain-owner, E. Dunn.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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