The Rothesay N44 41.980 W75 31.630
difficulty: beginner
depth: 30 feet
type: Wreck, shore dive
The History:
J. and S. E. Oliver at their shipyard at St. John, NB, built the Rothesay and launched February 2, 1867 from St. John. On July 20, 1877, registry was transferred from Fredericton, NB, to Prescott where this twin side-wheeler then carried passengers between Brockville and Montreal until September 12, 1889 when she collided with the tugboat Myra. The collision was caused by gross negligence by the officers of the Rothesay and the Captain and crew fled the doomed ship before some of the passengers. In 1901, her hull was blown up by the Royal Military College of Kingston.
J. and S. E. Oliver at their shipyard at St. John, NB, built the Rothesay and launched February 2, 1867 from St. John. On July 20, 1877, registry was transferred from Fredericton, NB, to Prescott where this twin side-wheeler then carried passengers between Brockville and Montreal until September 12, 1889 when she collided with the tugboat Myra. The collision was caused by gross negligence by the officers of the Rothesay and the Captain and crew fled the doomed ship before some of the passengers. In 1901, her hull was blown up by the Royal Military College of Kingston.
SOS plaque
Wreck plaque
An image was captured of the half submerged ship
Buoy removed 2014-11-06
The experience:
Changing areas and port-o-potty provided. After gearing up, make your way to the stairs which bring you to the shoreline. You can see the first buoy that marks the drop zone. You can descend and there is a line, which brings you to where the wreck lies at 30' deep.
Changing areas and port-o-potty provided. After gearing up, make your way to the stairs which bring you to the shoreline. You can see the first buoy that marks the drop zone. You can descend and there is a line, which brings you to where the wreck lies at 30' deep.
The treasure:
1840's to 1880's bottle found in the vicinity of the Rothesay.
Much of the items of any value were saved before she sunk. In 1964, the Underwater Society of Ottawa salvaged the rest of the booty; including, a ceramic jug, cutlery, Wedgwood china, and a marble sink among other items.
Much of the items of any value were saved before she sunk. In 1964, the Underwater Society of Ottawa salvaged the rest of the booty; including, a ceramic jug, cutlery, Wedgwood china, and a marble sink among other items.
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