Sailor Queen (John J. Noble) C107136

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sailor Queen (formerly John J. Noble)
• Type: Steam Screw Vessel
• Year Built: 1901
• Builder: Goderich, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 68.1 ft (20.8 m); Beam: 15.1 ft (4.6 m); Depth of hold: 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 33 tons (Gross); 22 tons (Net)
• Location: Near Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Ontario
• Official Number: 107136
• Original Owners: Booth Fisheries Canadian Co. (1933)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Steam Screw Vessel

Description

The Sailor Queen, originally named John J. Noble, was built in 1901 in Goderich, Ontario. This small steam screw vessel was designed for short hauls and coastal operations, making it ideal for the fishing and freight industries on the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service: Built in 1901 at Goderich, Ontario, the Sailor Queen began its career under the name John J. Noble. Originally constructed as a small steam screw vessel, its compact size and reliable engine were ideal for short hauls and coastal operations.

Ownership and Operations: By 1933, the vessel was owned by the Booth Fisheries Canadian Co., based in Wiarton, Ontario. The Booth Fisheries Company was a major player in the commercial fishing industry on the Great Lakes, suggesting that the Sailor Queen may have been used for transporting fish, supplies, or crew to and from fishing operations. The vessel was renamed Sailor Queen during its career, likely to reflect its updated ownership and role.

Significant Incidents

• Scuttled near Parry Sound, Ontario, at the end of its serviceable life.

Final Disposition

At the end of its serviceable life, the Sailor Queen was scuttled near Parry Sound in Georgian Bay, Ontario. It was common during the mid-20th century to repurpose aging vessels as breakwalls, dock reinforcements, or for disposal by sinking. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented but is presumed to lie in shallow water near Parry Sound, potentially accessible to divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to lie in shallow waters, making it potentially accessible for diving exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Sailor Queen, originally launched as the John J. Noble in 1901, was a versatile steam screw vessel serving industries on the Great Lakes. Owned by the Booth Fisheries Canadian Co., it supported the Georgian Bay fishing trade during its later years. Its final scuttling near Parry Sound reflects the ingenuity of Great Lakes communities in repurposing obsolete vessels. The Sailor Queen remains a small but significant piece of maritime history, embodying the working spirit of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.