Ubique Iii (jay’s Liner, Wilma, R.J. Foote – Lake Ontario Tug Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Ubique III (formerly Jay’s Liner, Wilema, R.J. Foote)
• Type: Steel Tugboat
• Year Built: 1939
• Builder: Russell Brothers
• Dimensions: Length: 35 ft 1 in (10.7 m); Beam: 10 ft 6 in (3.2 m); Depth: 4 ft 8 in (1.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 9 tons; Net Tonnage: 8 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 45.7 m / 150 ft
• Location: Lake Ontario, just off Oakville Harbour, Oakville, Ontario
• Coordinates: N 43° 26.021′, W 079° 36.985′
• Official Number: C 171934
• Original Owners: Bermingham Construction Ltd.
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Ubique III was a small yet robust steel tugboat designed for demanding maritime operations. Its compact size and powerful engine made it ideal for towing and pushing barges, even in challenging weather conditions. The vessel was a typical example of mid-20th-century tugboat engineering, combining durability with efficiency.

Description

The Ubique III experienced numerous transitions in its operational life:

• 1939: Launched as R.J. Foote in Owen Sound, Ontario.
• 1942: Sold to the United States and renamed Wilema, serving during World War II.
• Post-War: Returned to Canada and renamed Jay’s Liner.
• 1948: Acquired by Bermingham Construction Ltd. in Hamilton, Ontario, and renamed Ubique III.

The tug spent its career assisting with the movement of barges and participating in various maritime operations.

History

The Ubique III sank while pushing a barge on Lake Ontario under circumstances that remain unclear. The wreck was lost for years until its accidental discovery during recovery operations following an aircraft crash in Toronto Harbour during an airshow at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).

Further investigation by Niagara Divers Association member Ian Marshal, and SLD’s Tom Rutledge worked together to confirm its identity.

Significant Incidents

• The tug sank while pushing a barge on Lake Ontario.
• Accidental discovery during recovery operations following an aircraft crash in Toronto Harbour.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies at a depth of 150 feet, making it accessible primarily to experienced technical divers. The structure remains relatively intact, providing a fascinating glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history. The site offers an opportunity to explore the tug’s robust design and preserved features.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies at a depth of 150 feet, making it accessible primarily to experienced technical divers. The structure remains relatively intact, providing a fascinating glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history. The site offers an opportunity to explore the tug’s robust design and preserved features.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the Ubique III, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting the site and its history.