Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wellington (1856)

Explore the history of the Wellington, a sidewheel steamer turned tug, lost in the St. Lawrence River around 1875. A dive site rich in maritime heritage.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wellington
  • Type: Steamer (Sidewheel)
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Builder: Henry Rooney
  • Dimensions: Length: 171.4 ft (52.2 m); Beam: 25.4 ft (7.7 m); Depth of hold: 10.4 ft (3.2 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 400 gross tons
  • Location: Garden Island area
  • Original Owners: Hooker, Jacques & Company; Calvin, et al.
  • Number of Masts: 1

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Wellington was a sidewheel steamer, originally built for general freight and passenger service. It was later repurposed as a tugboat, showcasing the adaptability of vessels in the 19th century.

Description

The Wellington was constructed of wood and featured a single deck and mast. It was powered by sidewheel machinery, repurposed from the earlier steamer Britannia (1833).

History

Launched in 1856 at Garden Island, Ontario, the Wellington was initially owned by Hooker, Jacques & Company. In 1861, it was acquired by Calvin, et al., and adapted for specific commercial purposes. By 1866, it transitioned to tug service, towing barges and vessels on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

Significant Incidents

  • 1861: Ownership transferred to Calvin, et al.
  • 1866: Repurposed as a tugboat.
  • 1875: Approximately when the vessel sank; exact circumstances are unknown.
  • July 7, 1881: Reports indicate the Wellington had been sunk for 5-6 years, with plans to raise the wreck.

Final Disposition

The Wellington likely sank around 1875 in the Garden Island area. By 1881, it was reported to have been submerged for several years, with unclear outcomes regarding recovery efforts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and it remains a site of interest for divers and maritime historians. As always, divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to leave the site better than they found it.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Wellington serves as a testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, illustrating the evolution of shipping practices in the 19th century. Divers visiting the site are reminded to respect the wreck and its surroundings, adhering to ethical diving practices.