Derrick Whitby – Tugboat Sinking at Penetanguishene

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

Tugboat

Description

The Derrick Whitby was a working Tug assigned to dredging or harbour support operations in Penetanguishene, a historical shipbuilding and marine industry hub on the southeastern shores of Georgian Bay. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not available in surviving records, the Tug was likely of modest harbour or utility class, consistent with the vessels used by companies such as Consolidated Dredging Ltd. during the mid-20th century.

History

On June 14, the Derrick Whitby sank at its moorings at the Consolidated Dredging Ltd. dock in Penetanguishene. The cause of the sinking is not detailed in surviving documentation, and no information has been located to suggest whether the incident involved damage, structural failure, weather, or operational oversight. The region has long supported dredging and maintenance of channels, particularly during periods of heightened shipping and marina construction, suggesting the Tug may have been part of broader harbour infrastructure support.

The vessel’s loss does not appear to have caused any known injuries or environmental damage, and the case was likely recorded primarily for insurance or legal registry purposes.

Final Disposition

The Derrick Whitby was not listed among formally salvaged or recovered vessels in subsequent Canadian maritime records. It is presumed either removed as scrap, left submerged and forgotten, or dismantled in situ depending on its value and environmental impact.

Located By & Date Found

There are no known diver or sonar confirmations of the Derrick Whitby wreck site, and it is likely no longer visible if still submerged.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational warnings or known obstructions registered with Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard relating to this incident.

Resources & Links

Searches across the following repositories yielded no further specific entries:

Conclusion

The sinking of the Tugboat Derrick Whitby is emblematic of the many minor marine incidents that occurred along Canada’s industrial waterfronts and harbours during the 20th century. Though obscure and sparsely documented, these losses offer insight into the day-to-day risks and operational realities of workboats supporting dredging and harbour maintenance industries across Ontario.

Keywords and Categories

  • Keywords: Derrick Whitby, Tugboat, Penetanguishene, dredging, sinking, Consolidated Dredging Ltd.
  • Categories: Canadian Maritime History, Tugboat Incidents, Inland Waterways, Industrial Marine Operations

Glossary Terms

  • Tugboat: A small, powerful work vessel used for towing or pushing ships and barges.
  • Dredging: Excavation activity carried out underwater to gather bottom sediments and widen or deepen waterways.
  • Dock Sinking: The submergence of a vessel while moored or tied up at a dock, sometimes due to leaks, weather, or Hull failure.