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Theodore Too Safely Refloated After Partial Sinking

The charming life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, known as Theodore Too, has been successfully refloated following a partial sinking incident at the Ontario Shipyard in Port Weller. The vessel, which measures 20 meters, was moved from Halifax Harbour to the Port of Hamilton in June 2021. On Tuesday night, Theodore Too unexpectedly began taking on water, leading to its distressing situation.

Blair McKeil, the owner of Theodore Too and CEO of Breakwater Financial, announced on Wednesday that a professional team was being assembled to formulate a strategy for the tugboat’s recovery. By Thursday afternoon, Breakwater confirmed that the operation was a success, stating, “We are happy to announce that at approximately 3 p.m. today, Theodore Too was safely righted and refloated.”

The statement expressed gratitude toward Olous Boag and the Ontario Shipyards team for their swift and effective support during the salvage operation, alongside further appreciation for the subcontractor ASI Group’s dive team and the Canadian Coast Guard’s urgent response team.

Community Concern for Theodore Too

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Kayla Graham, Breakwater’s executive assistant, explained that Theodore Too was found partially submerged in shallow waters, with a portion of the vessel resting in mud next to the dock. Visuals shared with Global News captured the tugboat’s distinctive features, such as its recognizable red ball cap and friendly expression, still visible above the waterline.

Constructed in 2000 in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, Theodore Too is designed as a full-scale replica of the titular character from a CBC children’s television series that aired from 1993 to 2001. For many Canadians, Theodore Too is a cherished figure, often seen in Halifax Harbour or during public appearances promoting local tourism.

Prior to relocating to Hamilton, Theodore Too hosted children’s tours in Halifax and navigated the Great Lakes and coastal waters in both Canada and the United States. Since arriving in Ontario, the tugboat has traveled to over 20 ports along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, advocating for marine industry awareness and the conservation of water resources.

The incident has drawn the attention of notable Canadians, including Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who expressed his dismay at seeing Theodore Too in such a precarious condition. In a Facebook post, he reflected on the tugboat’s significance and conveyed optimism for its recovery efforts.

Expressing resilience and optimism through a social media post, Theodore Too conveyed its situation as a “mishap,” reassuring its followers that experts were on hand to facilitate its recovery in time for the holiday season. The message emphasized the importance of community and connection, wrapped in a heartfelt holiday greeting from the beloved tugboat.

Source
globalnews.ca