Identification & Site Information:

  • Wreck Name: Unnamed Alligator Tug
  • Type of Wreck: Alligator Tug (specialized dredging and construction vessel)
  • Location: Burnt Lake, Ontario, Canada
  • Coordinates: 45°49’59.40”N, 78°41’17.53”W
  • Length: Estimated 50-60 feet (15-18 meters)

Historical Significance:

The wreck is believed to be an alligator Tug, a type of vessel pivotal in Ontario’s 19th and early 20th-century marine construction and dredging operations. Known for their shallow Draft, flat hulls, and rear-mounted paddlewheels (“jaws”), alligator tugs were integral to maintaining navigable waterways and supporting infrastructure development in Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

Dive Site Features:

Entry Point:

  • Shoreline Access: The site can be accessed via a clearing or natural beach along Burnt Lake. The calm and protected waters of the lake make it suitable for shore diving.
  • Gradual Entry: A gently sloping shoreline provides an easy entry and exit for divers.

Wreck Overview:

  • Type: Wooden alligator Tug with a flat, narrow Hull and distinctive rear-mounted Paddlewheel.
  • Key Features: Paddlewheel and remnants of dredging equipment.
  • Condition: Likely partially buried or deteriorated due to sediment accumulation and age.

Lake Bottom:

  • Composition: A mix of silt and sand typical of Ontario lakes. Care is needed to avoid stirring sediment, which can decrease Visibility.
  • Vegetation: Surrounding aquatic plants provide habitat for fish and other wildlife, enriching the site’s ecological appeal.

Visibility:

Conditions: Visibility ranges from 10 to 25 feet (3 to 8 meters), influenced by weather and sediment disturbance. Summer typically offers the clearest conditions due to calm water.

Additional Tips:

• Recommended Equipment:

  • Dive Light: Essential for exploring the Paddlewheel, interior spaces, and other features.
  • Wetsuit: Advisable for comfort in cooler water temperatures during spring and fall.

Safety Tips:

  • Buoyancy Control: Avoid disturbing sediment around the wreck to maintain Visibility.
  • Buddy Diving: Always dive with a partner for safety, especially when exploring wreck interiors or confined spaces.

Points of Interest:

  • Paddlewheel:
    • The wreck’s most distinctive feature. Even if partially buried, it provides a unique glimpse into the vessel’s design and operation.
  • Hull Structure:
    • Explore the flat, narrow Hull, with potential to observe internal compartments and structural elements.
  • Dredging Equipment:
    • If present, remnants of dredging mechanisms like booms or cranes add historical interest.
  • Natural Environment:
    • The site is likely a haven for fish and aquatic plants, enhancing its value for ecological observation and underwater photography.

Resources & Links:

  • Google Maps Location: Burnt Lake, Ontario, Canada
  • Local Dive Shops: Contact nearby shops for rentals, guided dives, and lake conditions.
  • Ontario Historical Society: Explore their resources for information on alligator tugs and their role in Ontario’s maritime history.

Conclusion:

The Burnt Lake alligator Tug wreck offers a compelling dive experience blending history with natural beauty. This site provides insight into a vessel type crucial to Ontario’s industrial and maritime development while also serving as a vibrant habitat for aquatic life. Burnt Lake’s serene waters and historical wreck make it a prime destination for recreational divers and history enthusiasts alike.

Tags:

• Shore Dive

• Ontario Diving

• Recreational Dive

• Freshwater Dive

• Historical Dive Site

• Alligator Tug Wreck