Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Wairton
- Type: Steam-Powered Lake Freighter
- Year Built: 1907
- Builder: Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: Length: 601 ft (183.2 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Hamilton Harbour, Ontario
- Original Owners: Upper Lakes Shipping Company (1966-1971)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Steam-Powered Lake Freighter
Description
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Wiarton (1966–1971)
- Original Name: Thomas Lynch
- Type: Steam-Powered Lake Freighter
- Owner (1966-1971): Upper Lakes Shipping Company, Canada
- Build Details: Year Built: 1907; Builder: Constructed in Chicago, Illinois
- Measurements: Length: 183.2 metres (601 feet); Propulsion: Steam-powered
- Final Disposition: Sold for scrap in 1971.
- Hulled and scuttled: in Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, along with steamers Grovedale and Henry R. Platt Jr., to create a breakwall.
History
Early Life: Thomas Lynch (1907–1966)
Built in Chicago in 1907 as the Thomas Lynch, the vessel spent its early career as a steam-powered freighter operating on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and ore. The Thomas Lynch served various owners during its career, adapting to the demands of Great Lakes commerce during the 20th century.
Ownership by Upper Lakes Shipping (1966–1971)
In 1966, the vessel was acquired by the Upper Lakes Shipping Company, which renamed it Wiarton in honour of the small Ontario town of Wiarton. The town of Wiarton, located on the shores of Georgian Bay, held personal significance for the company, as many of its sailors and officers hailed from the area. During its tenure with Upper Lakes Shipping, the Wiarton continued to serve as a lake freighter, transporting bulk materials vital to regional industries.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Sold for scrap in 1971.
- Scuttled in Hamilton Harbour alongside Grovedale and Henry R. Platt Jr. to create a breakwall.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
Retirement: By 1971, the Wiarton had reached the end of its serviceable life. Scrapping and Scuttling: The vessel was sold for scrap and towed to Hamilton, Ontario, where it was scuttled alongside two other retired steamers, the Grovedale and the Henry R. Platt Jr. The three vessels were used to create a breakwall in Hamilton Harbour, repurposing their hulks to protect the shoreline.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Wiarton, now part of a breakwall in Hamilton Harbour, serves an environmental purpose by protecting the shoreline. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”wairton-1907-thomas-lynch” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Wiarton, originally built as the Thomas Lynch, served for over six decades as a key component of the Great Lakes’ bulk shipping industry. Its time with the Upper Lakes Shipping Company highlighted its legacy as a working freighter and its connection to the Ontario town of Wiarton. Its final role in forming a breakwall in Hamilton Harbour ensures that the vessel continues to serve a protective purpose long after its retirement.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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