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Resources > Dive Locations > Shore Dives > Rothesay
The Rothesay (1867 - 1889)
the SS Rothesay in Brockville
KEY STATS:
Steamer Paddlewheeler
Built 1867 Sunk 1889
Length 193ft
Depths to 30 ft
Location: St. Lawrence River, Prescott, Ontario, Canada
GPS (for the boat guys) N 44 41 581 W 75 31 401
Launched February 2, 1867 at St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, this 193 ft. x28.8 ft. x 7.9 ft. twin side-wheeler was relocated to service the Montreal- to-Prescott run. It was on that run that she met her fate September, 2 1889 by colliding with the American tug "Myra." To add insult to injury, in 1901, a group from the Royal Military College, Kingston used this wreck for explosives practice which flattened her mid section, though stern and bow remain relatively intact. The rope from shore meets Rothesay about the midsection near the paddlewheels where you can still view the rocker arm and paddles outlined. The bottom here is firm with weed growth between Rothesay and the shore, however the site has little current and remains an enjoyable visit.
One of Eastern Ontario's most famous wreck sites, Rothesay lies at the west edge of Prescott, Ontario, south side of Highway #2. A park/picnic area and staircase to the river's edge leads you to a shore entry to follow the rope system to the site. This is a good season starter, warm up to the weekends events or just a reason to dive. The wreck sits on a firm clay and weed-covered bottom. Her bow points upstream. Swimming towards the bow, you will encounter decking and the holds with firewood stacked inside. At the bow, you can view the chain locker and stem post. Over the bow is the undercut that resulted from the collision with the tug. Drifting back along the starboard side, the boiler, walking beam and collapsed side wheels are encountered. Over the stern is the rudder. Fishermen often troll through this area and snag on weeds and the wreck. Watch out for fishing line and remember to bring your dive knife.
The following pictures were taken during the Rothesay funday in Aug 2001, Well what do you do. No Diving in Port Dover, None in Kingston, None in Rockport(except for Wayne Green), none in Mallorytown, none in Brockville so enter the Rothesay. We shut down the shop at noon and went diving, with a bunch wild and crazy divers from across the province, and even New York. This was a very popular place today at least 40 divers including us were there
Glue member under
the stern
James squeezing
through the bow
Paul Salsbury inside
Toronto's own
Julian Coleman
Glue member under
the stern
James squeezing
through the bow
Paul Salsbury inside
Toronto's own
Julian Coleman
Shore Dive Locations:
NOTE:
A log sheet is available for this dive location in PDF format, click here to download.
Want to see a dive location in person? We'll be happy to take you there, just visit our charters page (click here) and book an adventure!
Brewers Mills
Brockville Waterfront
Conestoga
Cora W Post
Kinghorn
Ivy Lea Park
The Marine Museum
Pysche and Regent
Nicholson's Point
Rockport Wall
Rothesay
Stacked Hulls
HMS St. Lawrence
NOTE:
A log sheet is available for this dive location in PDF format, click here to download.
Want to see a dive location in person? We'll be happy to take you there, just visit our charters page (click here) and book an adventure!