Iconic Halifax tugboat Theodore Too partially sunk at Ontario dock

Theodore tugboat partially sinks The famous tugboat Theodore Too partially sank in Lake Ontario.

An iconic tugboat that was a fixture in Halifax Harbour for 21 years has partially sunk in Ontario.

Theodore Too, based on the popular children’s TV show “Theodore Tugboat,” moved three years ago, travelling more than 1,900 kilometres and stopping at 15 ports before reaching its final destination in Hamilton, Ont.

A statement from Theodore’s new owner, Blair McKeil, reads, “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.”

McKeil says crews are now working on a refloating plan.

“It’s a very unfortunate event, thankfully there were no people involved and no injuries,” reads the statement.

Theodore Too is a fully operational 65-foot tugboat. It was built at Snyder’s Shipyard in Dayspring, N.S., in 2000 as a replica of the main character of the children’s show, which aired between 1993 and 2001.

In its early years, the tugboat spent summers on the Great Lakes in Ontario and the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada, promoting tourism in Nova Scotia.

From the mid-2000s onward, the vessel hosted child-themed tours of the Halifax harbour, with many passengers being former fans of the television show.

"Theodore tugboat was one of those Halifax icons,” said Halifax historian Blair Beed. “People remember when they were younger, their visit to Halifax because of Theodore."

In March 2021, Theodore was sold to McKeil, who is the president and CEO of Breakwater Investments in Ontario.

"It meant a lot to Halifax, and it connected to people here,” added Richard Loughery, who also lives in Halifax. “It brought out the kids along with it and we went on a couple of tours on it, during the summer."

"Our children and grandchildren saw a lot of Theodore and they were disappointed when they moved away from Halifax,” said Halifax resident Mel MacConnell.

Dennis Campbell used to own Theodore Too, and after speaking with the current owner, is confident the vessel can be saved.

"They're working on it and they're going to get Theodore Too raised up to the water and get it back in to top shape," said Campbell, who added it's sad to see tugboat in this state but is hopeful Theodore Too will soon be repaired and seaworthy.

With files from CTV's Paul Hollingsworth.

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