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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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