Identification Card (Site Style)

Description

Built as *Queen City* in 1885, she was a compact, sturdy wooden Steamer—oak-constructed, carvel-built, steam-screw propelled—designed primarily for short river crossings. After renaming to *Ongiara* in 1888, she shuttled passengers across the Niagara River. In 1912, she was repurposed as a Towboat operating out of Toronto.

History

Launched in 1885 and initially operated as a Ferry named *Queen City*, she was sold in 1888 and renamed *Ongiara*. She served between Queenston (ON) and Lewiston (NY) until 1912, after which she began towing duties out of Toronto. Her service concluded in October 1918 with her wreck off Bowmanville.

Final Dispositions

On 17 October 1918, *Ongiara* was wrecked off Bowmanville, Ontario, and declared a Total Loss. The registry was officially closed on 5 March 1919. No specifics—such as cause (storm, grounding, etc.) or crew details—are recorded in surviving archival summaries.

Located By & Date Found

No documented discovery or survey of remains exists. Her final resting place remains unverified through modern archaeological means.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None recorded.

Dive Information

Access: Unknown—likely shallow; requires boat launch offshore Bowmanville.
Entry Point: Approximate area off Bowmanville Harbour.
Conditions: Visibility, currents, and thermocline data currently unknown.
Depth Range: Likely shallow (<10 m), but needs verification.
Emergency Contacts: Canadian Coast Guard, local Ontario Provincial Police marine unit.
Permits: Potentially required under Ontario heritage or navigable waters legislation.
Dive Support: Nearest support likely from Lake Ontario charter/dive operators near Bowmanville.

Crew & Casualty Memorials

Not found. Recommendation: consult Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (Kingston) RG 42 Vol. 1666 for crew lists, casualty records, or insurance documentation.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“Wrecked at Bowmanville, Ontario on October 17, 1918 … Registry closed March 5, 1919.” — Naval Marine Archive (Canadian Collection), referencing RG 42 Vol. 1666, Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston 

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Registry details and loss entry appear in RG 42 Vol. 1666 (Public Archives reference Vol. 453, Reel C‑3192, p. 8) at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston. Insurance records are likely contained in the same collection.

Site Documentation & Imaging

No virtual reality models, 3D imaging, or museum holdings documented. No underwater photography or surveys known.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Naval Marine Archive – The Canadian Collection
• Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
• Find A Grave

References

1. Naval Marine Archive – The Canadian Collection. Vessel record for *Ongiara* (*Queen City*), built 1885, wrecked 17 October 1918, registry closed 5 March 1919. Source: Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston (RG 42 Vol. 1666; Vol. 453, Reel C‑3192, p. 8) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. Wikipedia entry “Ongiara (1885)” confirming specifications, service timeline, and sinking location/date :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card