Theodore Tugboat replica partially sinks at Ontario dock, awaits effort to refloat

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — The Theodore Tugboat replica that was a fixture in the Halifax Harbour for 21 years and has called Hamilton home since 2021 has partially sunk while docked in St. Catharines.

Blair McKeil, the vessel’s owner, released a statement confirming that the tug, named Theodore Too, took on water while tied up at the dock, leaving the vessel partially submerged and resting on the bottom. “We are now working on a refloating plan. It’s a very unfortunate event, thankfully there were no people involved and no injuries.”

The release says the cause of the incident is unclear, and the group is working on efforts to get Theodore floating again.

McKeil, the CEO of Breakwater Financial, purchased the life-size version of the popular TV character tug in 2021, and it travelled from Halifax to Hamilton the same year, making more than 20 stops along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

Theodore Too was built in Dayspring, N.S., and was launched in 2000, delighting fans of the children’s TV show that aired on CBC TV between 1993 and 2001.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.

The Canadian Press