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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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