The beloved life-sized replica of the iconic children's television character, Theodore Tugboat, known as Theodore Too, has experienced an unfortunate incident, partially sinking at the Port Weller Dry Docks Shipyard in St. Catharines, Ontario. The mishap occurred late on December 17, 2024, when the vessel, which had recently moved from Halifax Harbour to Ontario, took on water.
Blair McKeil, the owner of Theodore Too and CEO of Breakwater Financial, confirmed the situation, stating, "Unfortunately, Theodore Too took on water... The vessel is now partially submerged and resting on the bottom." At the time of the incident, he assured the public there were no injuries as no persons were aboard the vessel. "It's a very unfortunate event, thankfully there were no people involved and no injuries," he remarked.
Currently, Theodore Too is described as being "gently resting" on the bottom of the shipyard, as efforts are underway to execute a safe and successful refloat plan. McKeil has noted, "We are now working on a refloating plan," indicating the commitment to restoring the tugboat to its intended operational state.
This life-sized replica has been more than just a boat; it holds sentimental value to many Canadians, particularly those who grew up watching the CBC television show, which aired from 1993 to 2001. The tugboat was built in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, and launched in 2000. It became a fixture at Halifax Harbour for over 21 years before making its way to Ontario.
Theodore Too's move to Ontario reflects its role as not only a beloved character from children’s television but also as an ambassador for water conservation and the marine industry. Since being relocated, it traveled over 1,900 kilometers and visited more than 20 different ports along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The boat's mission included promoting marine careers and fostering joy within local communities.
Adding to the incident's poignancy, Theodore Too’s official Instagram account posted for its fans, stating, "I am resting safely on my belly in the mud and my family in Ontario, has assembled a team of experts to carefully right and refloat me. They are working super hard to have me ship shape in time for the holidays. I will keep you posted on how things go!" This personal touch highlights the tugboat's character and the affection it has garnered over the years.
With the holidays approaching, this incident has stirred disappointment among fans who associate Theodore Too with festive joy and community engagement. The boat had also briefly served as unique lodging through Airbnb during its time docked at Hamilton, enhancing its role as more than just a vessel but as part of community experiences.
The efforts to refloat Theodore Too come with careful consideration for environmental impact, according to McKeil. He assured the public, "Rest assured, measures have been taken to mitigate any potential environmental impact," reinforcing the importance placed on maintaining the integrity of Lake Ontario, even amid this mishap.
Community responses to the news have been overwhelmingly supportive, showing concern for the beloved tugboat and hope for its recovery. Many fans of Theodore Tugboat expressed their dismay over the incident but also their eagerness to see the beloved vessel restored to its floating glory.
While the specific cause of the incident remains under investigation, the support from the community, alongside dedicated efforts from McKeil and his team, signal the resilience of Theodore Too as not just a vessel, but a cherished symbol of childhood memories and maritime culture.
With work already begun on the refloating plan, the hope is to have Theodore Too back on the water as soon as possible, preserving the legacy of this uniquely Canadian icon. The story continues to develop as the community rallies behind their tugboat champion, awaiting the moment it returns to its rightful place on Lake Ontario.
