Iconic Halifax ship Theodore Too partially sunk at Ontario dock

An iconic ship 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.”

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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.

A statement from Theodore Too's owner about it being partially submerged is pictured. (Source: Facebook)

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.

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

Theodore Too is partially submerged at a dock in St. Catharines, Ont., in December 2024. (Courtesy: Bobby Davidson)

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.