Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tinto
- Type: Wooden propeller steamship
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: D. & J. McCarthy, Sorel, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length 135 ft (41.1 m); Beam 23 ft (7.0 m); Depth of hold not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Near Cedar Island, Kingston, Ontario
- Coordinates: 44°13.422′ N, 76°27.018′ W
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Gibb & Ross
- Number of Masts: Not applicable
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Tinto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamship with a traditional straight bow, rounded stern, and open deck layout. She was powered by a V-2 engine configuration (22.5 in × 30 in cylinders) built by Miln & Miln of Montreal, driving a single screw propeller—advanced for its time.
Description
The Tinto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamship with a traditional straight bow, rounded stern, and open deck layout. She was powered by a V-2 engine configuration (22.5 in × 30 in cylinders) built by Miln & Miln of Montreal, driving a single screw propeller—advanced for its time.
History
Tinto launched in 1855 for Gibb & Ross and operated on the St. Lawrence River–Lake Ontario route, transporting passengers and cargo. On 11 June 1856, a fire broke out aboard. Survivors stated the vessel only carried one lifeboat, as two had reportedly been sold. The remaining boat capsized, killing most aboard. The fire rapidly consumed the wooden vessel, which then drifted to Cedar Island where it burned to the waterline.
The schooner Mary Adelaide and local boats rescued the few survivors. Among the dead were the captain, a young girl (Miss Benton), and the cook. The ship and its cargo were valued at $35,000.
Significant Incidents
- Fire broke out on 11 June 1856, leading to the loss of the vessel.
- Only one lifeboat was available; the remaining lifeboat capsized during evacuation.
- Approximately 20 casualties, including Captain Patrick Campbell and Miss Benton.
Final Disposition
Declared a total loss. The vessel’s machinery was later salvaged and reused in the steam propeller Avon.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Boat dive from Kingston
Entry Point: Kingston Marina
Conditions: Variable visibility (3–10 m), mild current
Depth Range: 9–12 m (30–40 ft)
Emergency Contacts: Kingston General Hospital; Prescott MCTS VHF 16
Permits: Required (Ontario Heritage Act)
Dive Support: Local Kingston charters
Best Time: June–September
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”tinto-1855″ title=”References & Links”]
Captain Patrick Campbell, Miss Benton (~13), and the cook perished. No known memorials exist. Further cemetery and archive research recommended.
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.
Lead Image
Identification Card (Site Style)
Other Names: None known
Official Number: Not available
Registry: Canada
Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamship
Builder: D. & J. McCarthy, Sorel, Quebec
Year Built: 1855
Dimensions: 41.1 m (135 ft) length; 7.0 m (23 ft) beam; depth not specified
Tonnage: Not specified
Cargo on Final Voyage: Passengers and freight
Date of Loss: 11 June 1856
Location: Near Cedar Island, Kingston, Ontario
Coordinates: 44°13.422′ N, 76°27.018′ W
Depth: Approximately 12 m (40 ft)
Home Port: Likely Montreal
Owners: Gibb & Ross
Crew: Not fully documented
Casualties: ~20 (including Capt. Patrick Campbell, Miss Benton, the cook)
Description
The Tinto was a wooden-hulled propeller steamship with a traditional straight bow, rounded stern, and open deck layout. She was powered by a V-2 engine configuration (22.5 in × 30 in cylinders) built by Miln & Miln of Montreal, driving a single screw propeller—advanced for its time.
History
Tinto launched in 1855 for Gibb & Ross and operated on the St. Lawrence River–Lake Ontario route, transporting passengers and cargo. On 11 June 1856, a fire broke out aboard. Survivors stated the vessel only carried one lifeboat, as two had reportedly been sold. The remaining boat capsized, killing most aboard. The fire rapidly consumed the wooden vessel, which then drifted to Cedar Island where it burned to the waterline.
The schooner Mary Adelaide and local boats rescued the few survivors. Among the dead were the captain, a young girl (Miss Benton), and the cook. The ship and its cargo were valued at $35,000.
Final Dispositions
Declared a total loss. The vessel’s machinery was later salvaged and reused in the steam propeller Avon.
Located By & Date Found
Known since day of loss; no specific discoverer.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted. Ontario Heritage Act applies.
Dive Information
Access: Boat dive from Kingston
Entry Point: Kingston Marina
Conditions: Variable visibility (3–10 m), mild current
Depth Range: 9–12 m (30–40 ft)
Emergency Contacts: Kingston General Hospital; Prescott MCTS VHF 16
Permits: Required (Ontario Heritage Act)
Dive Support: Local Kingston charters
Best Time: June–September
Crew & Casualty Memorials
Captain Patrick Campbell, Miss Benton (~13), and the cook perished. No known memorials exist. Further cemetery and archive research recommended.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“She had three boats; two were sold before the trip. When the fire broke out, the single remaining boat capsized while lowering, drowning nearly all aboard.” — Witness, via Hard to Come By
“The steamer Tinto took fire two miles from shore, drifted toward Cedar Island, and burned to the waterline. The schooner Mary Adelaide rendered rescue assistance. Loss estimated at $35,000.” — Great Lakes Rex
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
No official number recorded. Loss value: $35,000. Machinery salvaged.
Site Documentation & Imaging
No official 3D or NOAA imaging found. Representative images of site and engine type available.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Passenger Ship Casualty Records
- Great Lakes Rex: Shipwreck Histories
References
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None known
Official Number: Not available
Coordinates: 44°13.422′ N, 76°27.018′ W
Depth: ~12 m (40 ft)
Location Description: Near Cedar Island, Kingston
Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steamship
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 41.1 m × 7.0 m; depth not recorded
Tonnage: Not specified
Condition: Destroyed by fire; partial remains
Cause of Loss: Fire and insufficient evacuation capacity
Discovery Date: Known at time of loss (1856)
Discovered By: Not applicable
Method: Observed drifting toward Cedar Island
Legal Notes: Ontario Heritage Act applies
Hazards: Fragile structure
Permits Required: Yes