Robert Kerr (1911)

The Robert Kerr was a ship-rigged sailing vessel built by renowned Quebec City shipbuilder Nacisse Rosa and launched in 1866. After almost 20 years sailing between Europe and ports around the world, Robert Kerr was bought by Robert Dunsmuir and overhauled as a coal hulk 1886.

The ship Robert Kerr ran aground on Danger Reef while being towed north of Thetis Island on March 5, 1911. A cargo of coal was recovered shortly after the wrecking, but the then 45 year-old hull was a total loss.

The wreck lies in 8 to 18 meters of water on the eastern slope of Danger Reef north of Thetis Island, and consists of the remains of the ship’s hull, numerous iron knees and other ships parts. Two iron capstans, a wheel boss and steel mast are also part of the wreck site. While much deteriorated over the last 30 years, the wreck site still retains many features offering educational value to visitors. Given its shallow depth and relatively sheltered location inside the Southern Gulf Islands, the site can be visited by divers of any ability.

Note: British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act automatically protects all heritage wrecks, including the remains of all wrecked vessels and aircraft once two or more years have passed since the date of loss. It is illegal to damage, alter or remove a heritage object from a heritage wreck except under a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch.