Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Johnston
- Type: Tugboat (Towboat)
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: Calvin Co.
- Dimensions: Length: 86 ft (26.21 m); Beam: 21 ft (6.40 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 95 tons; Net: 53 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 29.87 m / 98 ft
- Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: N 44°07.490′ W 76°33.480′
- Original Owners: Henry Rooney, Calvin Co., Sin-Mac Lines Ltd, Donnelly Salvage Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William Johnston was a wooden tugboat, a critical workhorse of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Built by the Calvin Company in 1878, the vessel was designed for towing and maritime operations in and around Kingston, Ontario. Powered by a steeple compound engine and equipped with a firebox boiler producing 74 pounds of steam, the William Johnston was built to endure the demands of the busy shipping routes of the Great Lakes.
Throughout its lifespan, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds, increasing its length and beam, further emphasizing its durability and adaptability in various maritime roles.
Description
The William Johnston was initially commissioned by Henry Rooney and owned by Calvin Co., serving as a tugboat for towing and other maritime operations in the Kingston area and the broader Great Lakes.
Rebuilds and Ownership Changes:
- 1886: Rebuilt and sold to Sin-Mac Lines Ltd in Montreal, Quebec. The vessel’s home port changed to Kingston, Ontario.
- 1897: Underwent additional modifications, extending its length to 86 feet.
- 1921: Acquired by Donnelly Salvage Co., continuing its operations in towing and salvage.
Service and Retirement:
After decades of faithful service, the William Johnston was retired in the early 20th century. The vessel was scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, joining other vessels in this designated area for decommissioned ships.
History
The William Johnston was scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard in Lake Ontario. It now lies at a depth of 98 feet, serving as a historical dive site and contributing to the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- The William Johnston was scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, contributing to the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the William Johnston is accessible to divers, with a mooring system maintained by the Ottawa Beavers Scuba Club for safe and easy exploration. The wooden hull, while subject to decay due to its extended submersion, still provides insights into 19th-century tugboat construction and operations. The wreck remains a valuable resource for historical research and underwater exploration.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the William Johnston is accessible to divers, with a mooring system maintained by the Ottawa Beavers Scuba Club for safe and easy exploration. The wooden hull, while subject to decay due to its extended submersion, still provides insights into 19th-century tugboat construction and operations. The wreck remains a valuable resource for historical research and underwater exploration.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The William Johnston stands as a testament to the industriousness and versatility of Great Lakes maritime operations. Its long service life and eventual scuttling provide a tangible link to the region’s shipping history. Today, it serves as a fascinating underwater destination for divers, continuing its legacy as an integral part of Great Lakes heritage.