Identification & Site Information
•Name: Robert McDonald
•Type of Wreck: Tugboat (Converted from Schooner Barge)
•Dimensions: 100 feet (30.5 meters) in length, 19 feet (5.8 meters) in beam, 6 feet (1.8 meters) in depth
•Location: Picton Harbour, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario
•Site Status: Sank in 1919, Abandoned in Picton Harbour
Vessel Type Description
The Robert McDonald began its life in 1890 as a wooden Schooner-Barge built in Picton, Ontario. Originally designed for transporting grain and other bulk cargo, the vessel was later converted into a steam-powered Tugboat in 1907. The transition marked a significant technological and operational shift, adapting the ship to the growing demand for powered vessels capable of towing other ships and cargo. Its dual life as a Schooner-Barge and Tugboat exemplifies the versatility of Great Lakes vessels during this period.
History
The Robert McDonald enjoyed a varied career spanning nearly three decades. Built for the bustling grain trade, it made profitable voyages during the 1890 Canadian barley rush, transporting cargo to American markets before tariff changes. Over its operational life, the vessel changed ownership multiple times:
•1892: Owned by Hyatt, McDonald & Matthews.
•1899: Ownership passed to J.W. Hyatt and Alonzo Matthews, later becoming the sole property of Matthews in 1902.
•1906: Purchased by Stirling Orr and J. Eves of Kingston, Ontario.
In 1907, the vessel underwent a significant Rebuild, converting it from a Schooner-Barge to a Tugboat. This transformation modernized the ship, allowing it to better serve its owners in an evolving maritime economy. The Rebuild resulted in updated specifications:
•Length: 96 feet
•Beam: 19 feet
•Depth: 6 feet
•Tonnage: 97 gross, 50 net
Despite its modernization, the Robert McDonald faced challenges that culminated in its sinking in 1919 in Picton Harbour. The circumstances leading to the sinking are not fully documented, but the vessel was Abandoned after the incident.
Final Disposition
The Robert McDonald sank in Picton Harbour in 1919 and was subsequently Abandoned. Its final resting place remains within the harbour, where it serves as a silent testament to the region’s maritime history.
Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories
•No specific NOTMARs are issued for the wreck site.
•Mariners and divers should exercise caution due to the potential hazards associated with submerged wrecks in Picton Harbour.
Location & Discovery
•Year of Loss: 1919
•Discovery: The vessel was documented following its sinking and remains well-known to local historians and maritime enthusiasts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Robert McDonald lies in Picton Harbour. The site has not been extensively documented, and its condition is likely deteriorated, given the vessel’s wooden construction and over a century of submersion. However, remnants may still be visible, offering a point of interest for local divers or historical surveys.
Resources & Links
•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive data on vessel histories in the region.
•Historical Newspapers: Archival sources reporting on the vessel’s operations and final disposition.
Keywords
Robert McDonald, Tugboat, Schooner Barge, Picton Harbour, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1919 Sinking, Canadian Maritime History.
Analysis
The Robert McDonald highlights the ingenuity and resilience of maritime industries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its transformation from a Schooner-Barge to a steam-powered Tugboat underscores the adaptability of vessels to meet the changing demands of Great Lakes commerce. Despite its ultimate sinking and abandonment, the ship’s history reflects the economic and technological shifts of the era. Today, the Robert McDonald stands as a relic of Picton’s rich maritime heritage, representing the challenges and successes of life on the Great Lakes.