Barrie 
A well-known children’s television character has run into trouble at Ontario Shipyards in St. Catharines.
Credit: AirBnB
Theodore Too, a 65-foot reproduction of the friendly “Theodore Tugboat” from CBC’s beloved series, has partially sunk at its current location. Blair McKeil, President and CEO of Breakwater Investments, who has owned the vessel since March 2021, confirmed its status.
“Unfortunately, Theodore Too took on water while tied up at the dock at Ontario Shipyards. The vessel is now partially submerged and resting on bottom,” read the statement by Blair McKeil posted on X by Seaway Ship Watchers Network.
“We are now working on a refloating plan. It’s a very unfortunate event, thankfully there were no people involved and no injuries.”
Canada’s beloved tugboat character, Theodore Too, has sunk while docked at @ONShipyards. Vessel owner Blair McKeil offered the following statement this evening on the boat’s status. @CTVNews @CBCNews @TheSpec @WellandTribune @DaveJ_Tribune pic.twitter.com/rjazQh70d4
— Michael Folsom, Seaway Ship Watchers Network ⚓️ (@theshipwatcher) December 18, 2024
McKeil also said, “At this time, the cause of this unfortunate incident remains unclear. However, we are committed to executing a safe and successful refloat of our beloved Theodore TOO. People across the country hold this little tugboat dear, and we will do everything possible to keep everyone informed of our progress. Rest assured, measures have been taken to mitigate any potential environmental impact.”
Theodore Too emerged from Snyder’s Shipyard in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, in 2000. Before this life-size version appeared, “Theodore Tugboat” delighted young viewers on CBC and later PBS, airing regularly between 1993 and 2001 and reaching audiences in over eighty countries.
After two decades in Halifax, Theodore Too was purchased and transferred to Hamilton, Ontario, in June 2021. The trip from the East Coast to its new homeport included stops at several towns for the enthusiasts to see the boat up close.
Since arriving in Hamilton, it has maintained a relatively low profile beyond occasional appearances.
Theodore TOO docked along side Marine Museum at the Great Lakes in Kingston ON. July 12, 2021. (CNW Group/BWTT Holdings Inc.)
The vessel has also played a role in educational efforts. Through collaboration with Swim Drink Fish, a prominent water stewardship organization, Theodore Too has helped raise awareness about initiatives such as the Great Lakes Guide. Its presence has been more than symbolic, and the tugboatcollected water samples to monitor the quality of regional harbours.
Before the recent mishap, Theodore Too was listed on Airbnb as part of the vacation website’s OMG! Category launch, offering a unique overnight experience aboard the red-capped tug.
Now that the vessel is partially submerged, its immediate future is unclear, but let’s hope Theodore Too soon regains full seaworthiness.
