Theodore toothe beloved full-size replica of the Theodore Tugboat, has been “righted and safely refloated,” its owner said.
The 20-metre vessel, which left the Port of Halifax for the Port of Hamilton in June 2021, partially sunk Tuesday evening after somehow taking on water while at the Ontario Shipyard in Port Weller.
Its owner, Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial, said in a statement Wednesday that a team of professionals was developing a plan to refloat the tugboat.
Thursday evening, Breakwater said in a statement that these professionals successfully saved the 24-year-old tugboat.
“We are pleased to report that at approximately 3 p.m. today, Theodore Too was righted and safely refloated,” the statement said.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but that being said, we would like to thank Olous Boag and his team at Ontario Shipyards for their immediate assistance and expertise in the salvage and refloating operations.
The company also thanked subcontractor ASI Group for the work of its dive team, as well as the Canadian Coast Guard Emergency Response Team for their assistance.
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It remains unclear how Theodore Too, who has long been an iconic figure for many Canadians, took to the water.
Kayla Graham, Breakwater’s executive assistant, told Global News on Wednesday that Theodore Too was partially submerged in the shallow waters. The rest of the ship lay in the mud next to a dock.
Photos shared with Global News showed Theodore’s iconic red cap, bulbous nose and friendly smile above the water.
Built in 2000 in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, as a life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat — the main character of a CBC children’s television show that aired from 1993 to 2001 — Theodore Too was often seen swinging in the water of Halifax Harbor or make appearances. in photos.
Before moving to Hamilton, Theodore spent his summers leading children’s tours of Halifax Harbour, as well as taking cruises on the Great Lakes and the coasts of the United States and Canada, promoting the tourism in Nova Scotia.
Since arriving in Ontario, Theodore Too has visited more than 20 ports along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario as well as the United States, raising awareness about the maritime industry and conservation, restoration and conservation of water resources, Breakwater said in a press release.
The partial sinking sparked emotion among some prominent Canadians, including Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who said in a Facebook post Wednesday that he was “sad to see our old friend in such a state.” damaged”.
“I am pleased to read that the owner is committed to repairing Theodore and refloating the vessel safely and successfully,” he said.
“Stay strong, Theodore!”
In an Instagram post on his official page Wednesday, Theodore Tugboat said his partial sinking was an “accident.”
“I am resting safely on my stomach in the mud and my family in Ontario has assembled a team of experts to carefully pull me up and refloat me. They are working very hard so that I can ship the merchandise in time for the holidays,” he said.
“At this time of year, when so many of my friends across the country are struggling, I want you to know how much I love you all and wish you a sincere, happy, healthy, and utterly magical holiday season. Tot Tot!
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