Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, has partially sunk while in port, its owner says.
The 20-metre vessel, which moved to the Port of Hamilton from Halifax Harbour in June 2021, somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard in Port Weller.
Its owner, Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial, said in a statement Wednesday that a team of professionals is devising a plan to refloat the tugboat.
“At this time, the cause of this unfortunate incident remains unclear,” McKeil said.
“However, we are committed to executing a safe and successful refloat of our beloved Theodore Too.”
Kayla Graham, executive assistant at Breakwater, told Global News that Theodore Too is partially submerged in the shallow water. The rest of the vessel is resting in the mud beside a dock.
Photos shared with Global News show Theodore’s iconic red ball cap, bulbous nose and friendly smile above water.
The 24-year-old tugboat has long been an iconic figure to many Canadians. Built in 2000 in Dayspring, N.S., as a life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat — the title character of a CBC children’s TV show that aired from 1993 to 2001 — Theodore Too was often seen bobbing in the water of the Halifax Harbour or making appearances in photos.
Before his move to Hamilton, Theodore spent summers hosting children’s tours of the Halifax Harbour, as well as cruising the Great Lakes and seaboard in the U.S. and Canada, promoting Nova Scotian tourism.
Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, shown partially submerged in Port Weller on Dec. 18, 2024. The 20-metre vessel somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard near St. Catharines, Ont. Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, shown partially submerged in Port Weller on Dec. 18, 2024. The 20-metre vessel somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard near St. Catharines, Ont. Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, shown partially submerged in Port Weller on Dec. 18, 2024. The 20-metre vessel somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard near St. Catharines, Ont. Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, shown partially submerged in Port Weller on Dec. 18, 2024. The 20-metre vessel somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard near St. Catharines, Ont. Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat, shown partially submerged in Port Weller on Dec. 18, 2024. The 20-metre vessel somehow took on water Tuesday night while at the Ontario Shipyard near St. Catharines, Ont.
Since arriving in Ontario, Theodore Too has visited more than 20 ports along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario and in the U.S., raising awareness about the marine industry and conservation, restoration and preservation of water resources, Breakwater said in a news release.
“People across the country hold this little tugboat dear, and we will do everything possible to keep everyone informed of our progress,” McKeil said.
“Rest assured, measures have been take to mitigate any potential environmental impact.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a post on Facebook it was “sad to see our old friend in such a damaged state.”
“I’m happy to read the owner is committed to repairing Theodore and a safe and successful refloat,” he said.
“Stay strong, Theodore!”
In an Instagram post on its official page, Theodore Tugboat said its partial sinking was a “mishap.”
“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,” it said.
“At this time of year, when so many of my friends across the country are struggling, I want you to know how much I love you all and I wish you a heartfelt happy, healthy and toot-ally magical holiday. Toot Toot!”
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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