Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Reliance
- Type: Sidewheel steamer (later towboat)
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: A. Cantin Shipyard, Sorel, Quebec
- Dimensions: 103 ft (31.4 m) length × 16 ft (4.9 m) beam × 5 ft (1.5 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 84 tons
- Location: Ottawa River, near L’Orignal sector
- Coordinates: Not charted
- Official Number: Not located
- Original Owners: I. Marchand (1889); F.S. Johnston (1895)
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Reliance was a wooden sidewheel steamer constructed in 1887 at Sorel, Quebec, a noted hub of shipbuilding along the St. Lawrence. Initially 84 ft long and 78 tons gross, she was designed for utility service on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, carrying cargo and possibly passengers. Her propulsion system, an 18×72 steam engine manufactured in 1866 by G. Brush of Montreal, was a reused plant — a common practice of the period.
Description
In 1894, she underwent a significant rebuild by J. Paul of Sorel, extending her length to 103 ft and tonnage to 84. This conversion transitioned her from a general sidewheeler to a towboat, enabling her to haul barges and assist navigation through the Ottawa River’s demanding channels.
History
Early Service (1887–1894): Owned by I. Marchand of Maskinongé, Quebec, the Reliance was employed in local trade and river service.
Rebuild & Towboat Conversion (1894): The vessel was rebuilt and reconfigured as a tow steamer at Sorel, marking a shift toward more specialized service.
Later Service (1895–1896): Acquired by F.S. Johnston of L’Orignal, Ontario, the Reliance played a role in regional commerce, towing vessels and ensuring safe passage along the Ottawa River.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition: On 19 August 1896, while operating along the Ottawa River, the Reliance was destroyed by fire. The cause of the blaze was never determined. Despite rapid destruction of the wooden hull, no casualties were reported. The loss of the Reliance illustrates the constant danger of fire aboard wooden steam-powered vessels, particularly towboats whose work involved high engine loads and flammable stores.
Final Disposition
The vessel was consumed by fire; no wreck site has been located or documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No modern Notices to Mariners exist. The vessel’s remains are presumed destroyed or scattered and present no hazard.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”reliance-1887″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Access to the Reliance is not possible as the vessel was destroyed by fire, leaving no remains to explore. Divers are reminded to respect the historical significance of such sites and to engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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