Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rideau Belle
- Type: Steam Barge
- Year Built: 1885
- Builder: Kingston, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 85 ft (25.9 m); Beam 15 ft; Depth of hold 6 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 89 tons (original)
- Location: West Bay, Sand Lake, near Davis Lock, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada
- Official Number: 88566
- Original Owners: D. Noonan; E. & W. H. Fleming
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rideau Belle was a wooden steam barge built for service on the Rideau Canal, a critical link between Kingston and Ottawa. With an original gross tonnage of 89 tons and a length of 85 feet, it was designed for efficient transport of goods and passengers. Powered by a screw propulsion system, it embodied the robust and practical designs of late 19th-century canal vessels.
Description
The Rideau Belle was constructed in 1885 in Kingston, Ontario. Over its decade-long service life, the vessel underwent significant changes to adapt to evolving needs:
- 1886 Rebuild: Shortly after its launch, the vessel was rebuilt. While details of the modifications are scarce, the rebuild suggests an effort to improve performance or address operational challenges.
- Ownership Changes: Initially owned by D. Noonan of Kingston, it was later acquired by E. & W. H. Fleming of Elgin, Ontario, in 1893, reflecting its active role in the Rideau Canal’s maritime trade.
- Second Rebuild: A major modification reduced the vessel’s length to 69 feet, maintaining its beam and depth while retaining its screw propulsion system.
Throughout its operational life, the Rideau Belle served as an essential asset for transporting goods and navigating the Rideau Canal, contributing to regional commerce and connectivity.
History
On December 3, 1895, while laid up for the winter in West Bay of Sand Lake near Davis Lock, the Rideau Belle was destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it completely consumed the vessel, marking the end of its service. The incident occurred at a historically significant location along the Rideau Canal, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The loss of the Rideau Belle was a blow to its owners and the local community, as the vessel had become a familiar and valued presence on the waterway.
Significant Incidents
- No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck or site of the Rideau Belle have been recorded.
Final Disposition
The Rideau Belle played a vital role in the history of the Rideau Canal, adapting through rebuilds and changes in ownership to meet the demands of its time. Its destruction by fire in 1895 ended a significant chapter in the canal’s maritime history. Despite its loss, the vessel’s story contributes to the legacy of the Rideau Canal, showcasing the challenges and importance of canal-based transport during the 19th century.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Rideau Belle is not accessible for diving, and it is important to respect the site and its history. Divers are encouraged to document their experiences without disturbing the wreck, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories’.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rideau-belle-c-88566″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Rideau Belle remains a significant part of the maritime history of the Rideau Canal, illustrating the evolution of transportation and trade in the region. Its story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our maritime heritage.
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
- Vessel Name: Rideau Belle
- Year of Build: 1885
- Built At: Kingston, Ontario
- Type: Steam Barge
- Hull Materials: Wood
- Number of Decks: 1
- Original Length: 85 feet
- Rebuilt Length: 69 feet
- Beam: 15 feet
- Depth: 6 feet (after second rebuild)
- Gross Tonnage: 89 tons (original)
- Final Location: West Bay, Sand Lake, near Davis Lock, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada
- Official Number: 88566
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Rideau Belle was a wooden steam barge built for service on the Rideau Canal, a critical link between Kingston and Ottawa. With an original gross tonnage of 89 tons and a length of 85 feet, it was designed for efficient transport of goods and passengers. Powered by a screw propulsion system, it embodied the robust and practical designs of late 19th-century canal vessels.
HISTORY
The Rideau Belle was constructed in 1885 in Kingston, Ontario. Over its decade-long service life, the vessel underwent significant changes to adapt to evolving needs:
- 1886 Rebuild: Shortly after its launch, the vessel was rebuilt. While details of the modifications are scarce, the rebuild suggests an effort to improve performance or address operational challenges.
- Ownership Changes: Initially owned by D. Noonan of Kingston, it was later acquired by E. & W. H. Fleming of Elgin, Ontario, in 1893, reflecting its active role in the Rideau Canal’s maritime trade.
- Second Rebuild: A major modification reduced the vessel’s length to 69 feet, maintaining its beam and depth while retaining its screw propulsion system.
Throughout its operational life, the Rideau Belle served as an essential asset for transporting goods and navigating the Rideau Canal, contributing to regional commerce and connectivity.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On December 3, 1895, while laid up for the winter in West Bay of Sand Lake near Davis Lock, the Rideau Belle was destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it completely consumed the vessel, marking the end of its service. The incident occurred at a historically significant location along the Rideau Canal, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The loss of the Rideau Belle was a blow to its owners and the local community, as the vessel had become a familiar and valued presence on the waterway.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck or site of the Rideau Belle have been recorded.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Rideau Canal Archives: Documents the history of vessels and commerce on the Rideau Canal.
- Kingston Maritime History Collection: Provides insights into shipbuilding in Kingston, Ontario, and the vessels that operated in the region.
- Parks Canada – Rideau Canal: Offers historical and visitor information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CONCLUSION
The Rideau Belle played a vital role in the history of the Rideau Canal, adapting through rebuilds and changes in ownership to meet the demands of its time. Its destruction by fire in 1895 ended a significant chapter in the canal’s maritime history. Despite its loss, the vessel’s story contributes to the legacy of the Rideau Canal, showcasing the challenges and importance of canal-based transport during the 19th century.
KEYWORDS
Rideau Belle, Steam Barge, Rideau Canal, Sand Lake, Davis Lock, 19th-century maritime history, Wooden shipwreck, Kingston Ontario, Maritime fire.
rideau-belle-c-88566 1895-12-03 07:51:00