Type: Shipwreck (Paddle Wheeler)
Build: Wood
Location: Kingston
Nearest municipality: Kingston
Depth: 70+ feet (23+ meters)
Visibility: 20+ feet (10+ metres)
Approximate length: 174 feet (52.2 metres)
Built: 1848
Sunk: 1861
Access: Boat
Level: Intermediate
A sidewheel paddle wheeler, the "Comet" plied the waters between Hamilton
and Quebec City. On the fateful day in May 1861, under the command of Capt.
F. Patterson, she left Kingston Harbour for Hamilton. The day was
progressing smoothly, until 10 miles out from Nine Mile Point. At that
point the Comet and the schooner "Exchange" collided. The Comet was
hit in her stern. Capt. Patterson, quickly turned his vessel about to
try and head for the closest point of land Nine Mile Point. She sank
within 2.5 kms. west of Nine Mile Pt.
Two lives were lost, as Mr. John Blake, and John McCarthy fell from the
lifeboats.
The Comet is a favourite amongst divers. The farm machinery cargo is
still on deck. While the paddlewheels are an impressive site, at almost
40 ft. in diameter. The boilers, rudder, winch, and engine, are quite
visible.
Thanks to the Dolfin Divers of Oshawa, for retrieving this article from thier
archives.
