Theodore Too’s Mishap and Rescue: A Chronicle of a Beloved Tugboat’s Temporary Sinking
Theodore Too, the celebrated life-sized replica of the beloved children’s television character, experienced an unexpected mishap on Tuesday night, partially sinking at its mooring in the Port Weller dry dock at Ontario Shipyards in St. Catharines, Ontario. The 20-meter vessel, a familiar sight to many Canadians, took on water while docked, causing it to partially submerge, its hull resting in the mud beside the dock. The incident sparked concern and sadness amongst Canadians who have fond memories of the tugboat’s presence in various harbors and ports across the country.
News of the partial sinking quickly spread, eliciting responses from prominent figures, including Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who expressed his sadness on social media upon seeing the tugboat in its distressed state. However, he also relayed a sense of optimism, acknowledging the owner’s commitment to repairing and refloating Theodore Too. The tugboat itself, through its official Instagram page, addressed the incident, referring to it as a "mishap" and assuring its followers that it was resting safely, with a team of experts working diligently on its recovery.
The owner of Theodore Too, Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial, acted swiftly, assembling a team of professionals to formulate and execute a plan to refloat the tugboat. Within approximately 48 hours of the initial incident, the team, led by Olous Boag of Ontario Shipyards, successfully righted and refloated the vessel. The operation involved expertise in salvage and refloating, assisted by the dive team from subcontractor ASI Group and the Canadian Coast Guard’s urgent response team.
The successful refloating of Theodore Too marked a significant step in its recovery. While much work remained to restore the tugboat to its former glory, the quick and effective response brought a sense of relief to those who cherish the iconic vessel. The collaborative efforts of the various teams involved demonstrated a commitment to preserving a piece of Canadian maritime history and a symbol of childhood joy for many.
Theodore Too’s journey from its creation in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, in 2000 to its current home in Hamilton, Ontario, is a testament to its enduring appeal. Initially built as a life-sized replica of the star of a popular CBC children’s television show, Theodore Tugboat, the vessel quickly became a beloved figure, hosting children’s tours in Halifax Harbour and participating in promotional events across the Great Lakes and the eastern seaboard. Since relocating to Ontario, Theodore Too has continued its mission of promoting the marine industry and raising awareness about water conservation, visiting numerous ports along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, as well as ports in the United States.
The incident served as a reminder of the tugboat’s significance to Canadians. It evoked nostalgia and a sense of community, uniting people in their concern and celebration of its rescue. The story of Theodore Too’s temporary sinking and successful refloating is not just a maritime tale but a story of resilience, community effort, and the enduring power of a beloved icon. As Theodore Too undergoes repairs and prepares for future voyages, its story serves as an inspiration and a symbol of the importance of preserving our cherished cultural landmarks.
