Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sea Queen
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: Marlton, Goderich, Ontario
- Dimensions: Unknown—typical small tug proportions (to be confirmed via registry archives)
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Dockside or near harbor at Meldrum Bay, North Channel, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: Approx. Meldrum Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario (exact unknown)
- Official Number: C96875
- Original Owners: F. S. James (owner at time of loss)
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The *Sea Queen* was a wooden-hulled propeller tug built in 1892 at Marlton (Goderich, Ontario). Designed for harbor, fishing, or utility operations, she likely had modest dimensions consistent with regional tugs of the era. Registration number C96875 indicates Canadian registry documentation, though specific stats like tonnage remain to be sourced from vessel enrollment archives.
Description
The *Sea Queen* was a wooden-hulled propeller tug built in 1892 at Marlton (Goderich, Ontario). Designed for harbor, fishing, or utility operations, she likely had modest dimensions consistent with regional tugs of the era. Registration number C96875 indicates Canadian registry documentation, though specific stats like tonnage remain to be sourced from vessel enrollment archives.
History
Constructed in 1892, *Sea Queen* served the North Channel region—presumably assisting with small-scale tow, fishing, or harbor work. Ownership by F. S. James by 1932 is recorded, though detailed service logs or operational history are not currently found in accessible directories.
Significant Incidents
In 1932, *Sea Queen* caught fire at Meldrum Bay, likely while docked or anchored near the shore. The blaze consumed the wooden vessel, resulting in a total loss. No freighting occurred at the time, and no casualties were reported. The burned hull likely sank at or near her berth.
Final Disposition
This was not a rediscovered wreck; the vessel was lost visibly by fire, and remains (if extant) would lie in shallow water near Meldrum Bay.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Shore/dockside near Meldrum Bay
Entry Point: Meldrum Bay harbor area, North Channel, Lake Huron (Manitoulin Island)
Conditions: Freshwater cold environment—wooden timbers may be preserved underwater
Depth Range: Likely shallow (a few meters at most)
Emergency Contacts: Local (Manitoulin Island) marine authorities or Coast Guard
Permits: Required if diving in Canadian waters—contact Ontario’s heritage authorities
Dive Support: None publicly listed; local dive charters may assist if site located
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sea-queen-c-96875″ title=”References & Links”]
No casualties reported; crew survived. No known memorials or personal records cited. Local archives or newspapers (e.g., Meldrum Bay Gazette, Manitoulin-region press) may hold personal notices or accounts.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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