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.

Identification & Site Information

• Type of Wreck: Steamboat (Sidewheeler)
• Location: Bay of Quinte, Ontario – Latitude 44°10.35’N, Longitude 77°02.30’W
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 42.1 meters (138 feet)
  • Beam: 6.9 meters (22.6 feet)
  • Depth: 2.3 meters (7.6 feet)
• Gross Tonnage: 331 tons
• Site Status: Destroyed by fire on October 23, 1889

Vessel Type Description

The Quinte, originally launched as the Beauharnois in 1871, was a sidewheel steamer constructed in Quebec City by Bushnell. Designed for passenger and cargo transport, it featured a single-cylinder vertical beam engine and a wooden hull, which were characteristic of steamboats of the era. After a major rebuild in 1882, the vessel was modernized and renamed Quinte, continuing its service as a reliable steamboat along Ontario’s waterways.

History

• Early Years
  • Launched in 1871 as the Beauharnois, operated by the Beauharnois Steam Navigation Co.
  • Later sold to Stevenson & Co. in Quebec.
• Rebuild and Renaming
  • Underwent a significant rebuild in 1882, modernizing its structure.
  • Acquired by Edward W. Rathbun’s Deseronto Navigation Co. on June 16, 1883, renamed Quinte.
• Operational Service
  • Served the communities along the Bay of Quinte, known for its reliability in transporting passengers and goods.
  • Played a critical role in local commerce and connectivity during its operational life.
• Tragic End
  • On October 23, 1889, the Quinte caught fire during a voyage from Deseronto to Picton, Ontario, approximately 5 miles from Deseronto.
• Cause: The fire originated in the woodwork near the fire hold, rapidly engulfing the ship.
• Response:
  • Pilot Collier grounded the vessel on a shoal to save passengers.
  • Nearby vessels launched rescue operations.
• Casualties:
  • Four lives lost.
  • Survivors included crew members who suffered severe burns and injuries.
• Outcome: Declared a total loss, with the vessel burned to the waterline. Its registry was closed following the disaster.

Final Disposition

The Quinte was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned at the site. The wreckage remains a significant historical artifact in the Bay of Quinte, though largely deteriorated.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist for the site.
• Mariners and divers are advised to exercise caution in the Bay of Quinte, as remnants of the wreck may still be present.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s location was documented immediately after its destruction in 1889, at Latitude 44°10.35’N, Longitude 77°02.30’W.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive maritime records for the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Ships Database: Vessel histories and details.
• Historical Newspapers: Archival accounts of the fire and the vessel’s final voyage.

Keywords

Quinte, Beauharnois, Sidewheeler, Steamboat, Bay of Quinte Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, 1889 Fire, Lake Ontario Shipwreck.

Analysis

The destruction of the Quinte on October 23, 1889, highlights the risks inherent in steam navigation during the late 19th century. The vessel’s history, from its origins as the Beauharnois to its rebirth as the Quinte, reflects the evolving needs of maritime transport in Ontario. The fire that claimed the ship and four lives remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early steamboat operators and passengers. Today, the wreck site serves as an important historical marker in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.

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