Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: R. Kendrick
- Type: Small screw-propelled tug/ferry
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: W. Gillard
- Dimensions: 58 ft (17.68 m); 12 ft; 4 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 15 gross tons
- Location: Roche's Point or possibly Port Rowan or Penetanguishene
- Official Number: 71081
- Original Owners: J. L. Allison & R. G. Nash; Leacy & McLatchie; J. Ward; L. Miller
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
R. Kendrick was classified as a small screw-propelled tug and ferry, primarily used for regional operations.
Description
The R. Kendrick was built in 1874 in Morrisburg, Ontario, featuring a single-cylinder steam engine manufactured by Pound Manufacturing Co. in Lockport, NY. The vessel measured 58 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and 4 feet in depth, with a registered tonnage of 15 gross tons. Initially constructed for ferry service, it was later repurposed for tug duties on Lake Simcoe.
History
The ownership history of R. Kendrick spans several decades. From 1874 to 1877, it was owned by J. L. Allison and R. G. Nash in Morrisburg. In 1881, it was acquired by Leacy & McLatchie in Brockville for regional ferry and tug use. By 1886, it was owned by J. Ward in Owen Sound, possibly relocating from the St. Lawrence to Georgian Bay. From 1891 to 1895, L. Miller of Roche’s Point operated the vessel, which was converted for tug service on Lake Simcoe. There are no recorded major incidents or rebuilds beyond its initial specifications.
Significant Incidents
- No recorded major incidents or rebuilds beyond the initial specifications.
Final Disposition
The R. Kendrick was scuttled, although specific records regarding the date and location of the scuttling are not available. It is believed to have been intentionally sunk upon decommissioning, possibly near Roche’s Point or in shallow harbors such as Port Rowan or Penetanguishene.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and further research is needed to determine its exact location and state.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”r-kendrick-us-71081″ title=”References & Links”]
The R. Kendrick was a modest, utilitarian screw tug built for regional operations along the St. Lawrence and Lake Simcoe. Although she appears to have saved most of her lifespan, her final disposal—scuttling—was undocumented in major vessel registries or shipping logs. Focused searches in Ontario maritime administration records, local newspapers from the late 1890s, and possible municipal scrap logs are recommended to fill in the missing details.
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 & Basic Information
- Name: R. Kendrick
- Official Number: 71081
- Built: 1874, Morrisburg, Ontario by W. Gillard
- Type: Small screw-propelled tug/ferry
Construction & Propulsion Details
- Hull dimensions: 58 ft (length) × 12 ft (beam) × 4 ft (depth), 15 gross tons
- Engine: Single-cylinder steam engine (9″ × 10″) by Pound Manufacturing Co., Lockport, NY
- Purpose: Built as small tug or ferry, later repurposed for tug duty on Lake Simcoe
Ownership & Operational History
| Years | Owner(s) & Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1874–1877 | J. L. Allison & R. G. Nash, Morrisburg | Initial registration and operation |
| 1881 | Leacy & McLatchie, Brockville | Regional ferry/tug use |
| 1886 | J. Ward, Owen Sound | Possible relocation from St. Lawrence to Georgian Bay |
| 1891–1895 | L. Miller, Roche’s Point | Moved to Lake Simcoe as a tug |
- 1891 conversion: Transferred for tug service on Lake Simcoe; de-registered or reflagged in Ontario jurisdiction
- No recorded major incidents or rebuilds beyond the initial specifications
Final Disposition
- How: Scuttled
- When & Where: No specific records found
- It was likely intentionally sunk upon decommissioning, possibly near Roche’s Point or in a shallow harbor such as Port Rowan or Penetanguishene.
Gaps & Recommended Research
- Scuttling Details
- Need to locate date and precise location of scuttling by consulting provincial decommissioning logs or Ministry of Transportation records in Ontario.
- Registry Documentation
- Examine annual vessel registry books (Circa 1870s–1890s) in Canada for any rebuild or official change notices.
- Local Historical Records
- Investigate newspapers and municipal records from Morrisburg, Brockville, Owen Sound, and Roche’s Point for disposal notices or tug fleet updates.
- Company Archives
- Research whether Allison & Nash, Ben Leacy/McLatchie, J. Ward, or L. Miller business records contain notes about vessel scrapping.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1874, W. Gillard, Morrisburg, ON |
| Dimensions | 58 × 12 × 4 ft; 15 GRT |
| Engine | 9″ × 10″ steam—Pound Manufacturing Co. |
| Use | Ferry/tug across St. Lawrence & Lake Simcoe |
| Final Owner | L. Miller (Roche’s Point)—scuttled |
| Fate | Scuttled (no date/site recorded) |
Conclusion
R. Kendrick was a modest, utilitarian screw tug built for regional operations along the St. Lawrence and Lake Simcoe. Although she appears to have saved most of her lifespan, her final disposal—scuttling—was undocumented in major vessel registries or shipping logs. To fill in the missing details, focused searches in Ontario maritime administration records, local newspapers from the late 1890s, and possible municipal scrap logs are recommended. If you’d like, I can assist with initiating those archival searches or contacting Ontario maritime libraries.
r-kendrick-us-71081 1896-07-17 17:16:00