Shotline Diving

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Truant C 92739

Explore the history of the Truant, a wooden steam tug lost to fire in 1894 near Killarney, Georgian Bay. A reminder of the fire hazards faced by early steam vessels.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Truant
  • Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
  • Year Built: 1889
  • Builder: J. Duval, Toronto, Ontario
  • Dimensions: Length: 73 ft (22.3 m); Beam: 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth of hold: 4 ft (1.2 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 28 GT
  • Location: Burnt Island, near Killarney, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
  • Official Number: C92739
  • Original Owners: Unknown
  • Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Truant was a small wooden propeller-driven steam vessel, originally built as a ferry in Toronto in 1889.

Description

The Truant was later converted into a tugboat, operating in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, likely assisting in local transport, towing, and small cargo operations. Registered out of Toronto, Ontario, she was likely used for short-haul transportation between islands and coastal communities. The vessel’s modest size and shallow draft made her ideal for maneuvering in smaller ports and confined waterways.

History

On April 30, 1894, while in Burnt Island near Killarney, Georgian Bay, the Truant was destroyed by fire. The fire started beneath the ash pan, a common cause of fire on wooden steamers, as sparks and embers could easily ignite wooden structures. No records confirm whether the crew was able to escape, but casualties remain unknown. The fire consumed the vessel completely, leaving her a total loss.

Significant Incidents

  • April 30, 1894: Destroyed by fire near Killarney, Georgian Bay.

Final Disposition

  • Declared a total loss due to fire.
  • No known salvage or wreckage recovery.
  • No confirmed remains exist today.
  • No confirmed modern wreck site identified.
  • Any possible remains would be scattered near Burnt Island, Killarney, Georgian Bay.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Fire was a leading cause of ship losses in the 19th century, particularly for wooden steam vessels where embers and heat sources were poorly contained. Burnt Island and Killarney were active maritime areas, frequented by ferries, tugs, and cargo steamers supporting timber and fishing industries. The transition from ferry to tugboat suggests that Truant may have been repurposed for industrial use before her destruction.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”truant-c-92739″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Truant was a small but versatile steam vessel, beginning as a Toronto ferry before being converted into a tugboat. Her destruction by fire in 1894 near Killarney, Georgian Bay, highlights the fire hazards of early steamers. Though her remains have never been confirmed, she is one of many wooden steam tugs lost in the era before steel-hulled vessels became dominant.

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.

Steam Tug Truant (1889–1894)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Truant
  • Other Names: None
  • Official Number: C92739
  • Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden propeller steam tug (originally built as a ferry)
  • Builder: J. Duval, Toronto, Ontario
  • Year Built & Launched: 1889
  • Specifications: Length: 73 ft (22.3 m) Beam: 14 ft (4.3 m) Depth: 4 ft (1.2 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 28 GT
  • Net Tonnage: 20 NT
  • Date Lost: April 30, 1894
  • Location of Loss: Burnt Island, near Killarney, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
  • Cause of Loss: Fire (started under the ash pan)
  • Loss of Life: Unknown (no confirmed records of casualties)
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: None

Vessel Description & Service History

The Truant was a small wooden propeller-driven steam vessel, originally built as a ferry in Toronto in 1889. She was later converted into a tugboat, operating in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, likely assisting in local transport, towing, and small cargo operations. Registered out of Toronto, Ontario, she was likely used for short-haul transportation between islands and coastal communities. The vessel’s modest size and shallow draft made her ideal for maneuvering in smaller ports and confined waterways.

Final Voyage & Loss

On April 30, 1894, while in Burnt Island near Killarney, Georgian Bay, the Truant was destroyed by fire. The fire started beneath the ash pan, a common cause of fire on wooden steamers, as sparks and embers could easily ignite wooden structures. No records confirm whether the crew was able to escape, but casualties remain unknown. The fire consumed the vessel completely, leaving her a total loss.

Final Disposition & Salvage

  • Declared a total loss due to fire.
  • No known salvage or wreckage recovery.
  • No confirmed remains exist today.
  • No confirmed modern wreck site identified.
  • Any possible remains would be scattered near Burnt Island, Killarney, Georgian Bay.

Notmars & Advisories

Fire was a leading cause of ship losses in the 19th century, particularly for wooden steam vessels where embers and heat sources were poorly contained. Burnt Island and Killarney were active maritime areas, frequented by ferries, tugs, and cargo steamers supporting timber and fishing industries. The transition from ferry to tugboat suggests that Truant may have been repurposed for industrial use before her destruction.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Truant was a small but versatile steam vessel, beginning as a Toronto ferry before being converted into a tugboat. Her destruction by fire in 1894 near Killarney, Georgian Bay, highlights the fire hazards of early steamers. Though her remains have never been confirmed, she is one of many wooden steam tugs lost in the era before steel-hulled vessels became dominant.

truant-c-92739 1894-04-30 07:55:00