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.

SCOTIA: Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: SCOTIA
• Type: Propeller Vessel (converted to a barge in 1889)
• Year Built: 1871
• Builder: Lewis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario
• Dimensions (Post-Rebuild):
  • Length: 144 feet (43.89 meters)
  • Width: 26 feet (7.92 meters)
  • Depth: 12 feet (3.66 meters)
• Tonnage: 458 gross tons (post-rebuild)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 10 feet (3.05 meters)
• Location: Near Marysville, Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Not provided

Vessel Type Description

The SCOTIA began its life as a wooden propeller-driven cargo ship in 1871, constructed by the prominent shipbuilder Lewis Shickluna. Known for its sturdy design and large capacity, it initially served as a general cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, playing a crucial role in transporting goods such as coal, railroad iron, and merchandise. In 1889, reflecting shifting industry demands, the vessel was converted into a barge, marking a transition in its use from self-propelled cargo transport to a support role in towing and coal bunkering.

History

Construction and Early Service

• Built in 1871 in St. Catharines, Ontario, the SCOTIA was designed for Great Lakes shipping.
• Originally 144 feet in length, the wooden-hulled vessel was launched as a part of Merchant’s Line, contributing to the regional trade network.
• By 1877, it was listed with a gross tonnage of 624 tons, serving ports like Montreal, Buffalo, and Chicago.

Notable Incidents

• 1879 Fire: While docked in Chicago, the SCOTIA sustained significant damage from a fire. Repairs enabled it to return to service.
• 1889 Rebuild: Converted to a barge, its dimensions and tonnage were adjusted, reflecting a shift in utility toward stationary and towing purposes.

Final Years

• In its later years, the SCOTIA served as a coal bunker in Marysville, Wolfe Island.
• By 1895, it was deemed unserviceable, abandoned, and broken apart.

Final Disposition

The SCOTIA rests in shallow waters near Marysville, Wolfe Island, at a depth of 10 feet (3.05 meters). Its remains, broken and silt-covered, serve as a historical artifact. The 2008 survey by Ben Ford from Texas A&M documented the wreck’s condition, highlighting its contribution to maritime history and offering insights into its final state.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The SCOTIA is heavily silted and fragmented due to its shallow resting place. Despite this, key structural features may still be observed.

Accessibility: The wreck is located at a diveable depth of 10 feet, ideal for recreational and historical divers. Its shallow waters make it vulnerable to sediment shifts, but visibility can be favorable.

Resources & Links

• Divehub.ca: Dive information for wrecks near Wolfe Island, including SCOTIA.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical vessel records and data.
• Ben Ford Survey, 2008: Detailed analysis and survey of SCOTIA’s wreck.
• Lewis Shickluna Archives: Resources on shipbuilding in St. Catharines.

Tags

SCOTIA | Wolfe Island Shipwreck | Lake Ontario Barge | Great Lakes Maritime History | Lewis Shickluna Shipbuilding | Coal Bunker Barge | Ben Ford Survey | 19th-Century Shipwreck

Conclusion

The SCOTIA encapsulates the evolution of maritime utility on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its transformation from a self-propelled cargo vessel to a barge reflects broader industrial shifts. Despite its abandonment in 1895, the wreck remains a valuable site for understanding the lifecycle of Great Lakes vessels. With surveys like that of Ben Ford shedding light on its condition, the SCOTIA serves as both a historical marker and a fascinating dive destination for maritime enthusiasts.

scotia-c88640 1895-03-14 07:52:00