Victoria – Lake Huron Tug Shipwreck (1896)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Victoria
• Type: Wood-hulled screw tug
• Year Built: 1891
• Builder: W. Oelshlager in Port Elgin, Ontario
• Dimensions: 31 ft (9.45 m) length × 7 ft beam × 3 ft depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 3 GRT, 2 NRT
• Location: Cabot’s Head, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Official Number: C71235

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wood-hulled screw tug, designed for local towing duties and harbor services.

Description

The Victoria was a small tugboat measuring 31 feet in length, 7 feet in beam, and 3 feet in depth. Built in 1891, it was constructed of wood and powered by a single screw propulsion system. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 3 and a net tonnage of 2.

History

Home ported in Saugeen, Ontario, the Victoria served local towing duties throughout its operational history. There are no records of major repairs or modifications prior to its loss. The vessel was registered until 1916, likely when post-loss paperwork was finalized.

Significant Incidents

• Final Event: The Victoria foundered in a storm on August 16, 1896, near Cabot’s Head.
• Casualties: No casualties were reported during the incident.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Victoria is presumed to be an aggregate wreck site, likely located in shallow waters near the shore. There have been no recorded salvage operations on the site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to lie in shallow coastal waters, making it a potential candidate for magnetometer or visual surveys.

Resources & Links

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The Victoria serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by small vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during sudden storms. Its loss without fatalities highlights the resilience of local crews and the unpredictable nature of late-summer weather.