Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Transit
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: Myers
• Dimensions: Length 115 ft (35.05 m); Beam 17 ft (5.18 m); Depth of hold 5 ft (1.52 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 109 tons (old style), 69 tons (net)
• Location: Belleville, Ontario
• Original Owners: Mr. Hood, John Edgon

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Transit was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer built in Toronto in 1856. Sidewheel steamers were widely used on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, mainly for passenger and cargo services. At 109 tons (99 metric tons), the Transit was relatively small but well-suited for regional trade and transportation across Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, effectively connecting various ports along these busy waterways.

Description

The Transit was a wooden sidewheel steamer, notable for its construction in Toronto in 1856. It was primarily used for passenger and cargo transport across Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte. The vessel’s dimensions included a length of 115 feet (35.05 meters), a beam of 17 feet (5.18 meters), and a depth of 5 feet (1.52 meters). With a registered tonnage of 109 tons (old style) and 69 tons (net), it was a relatively small vessel, yet it played a significant role in regional maritime commerce.

History

The Transit’s career was eventful, marked by incidents and ownership changes that reflect the challenges of 19th-century lake transport:

• 1860: The Transit sank in Toronto, Ontario, due to unknown circumstances.
• 1868, May 10: The vessel was raised and resumed service on Lake Ontario.
• 1869: Now owned by Mr. Hood of Toronto, Transit was rebuilt to continue its operations.
• 1877: Ownership transferred to John Edgon of Hamilton, Ontario, who likely operated it for local transport and shipping.

Significant Incidents

Significant incidents in the history of the Transit include:

• 1860: Sank in Toronto, Ontario.
• 1868: Raised and resumed service.
• 1880: Caught fire and was destroyed while docked in Belleville, Ontario.

Final Disposition

On May 7, 1880, the Transit met a catastrophic end when it caught fire and was destroyed while docked in Belleville, Ontario, in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario. Although specific details regarding the fire are undocumented, the vessel was a complete loss. There are no records of casualties or the cause of the fire, whether accidental or operational.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no known records of the Transit’s wreck being located after the fire. Due to the extensive damage from the fire, it is likely that little of the vessel remains. Currently, no navigational hazards are associated with the wreck of Transit. Although the Bay of Quinte has numerous wrecks, no specific warnings or obstructions are linked to this vessel.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”transit-1856″ title=”References & Links”]

The Transit’s history highlights the operational challenges and risks faced by sidewheel steamers on the Great Lakes, where fire and other incidents were frequent causes of vessel loss. Transit’s story contributes to the understanding of early maritime transport on Lake Ontario and its significant role in regional commerce.