Theodore Too, beloved Canadian tugboat, partially sinks in Ontario port

Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized duplicate of Theodore Tugboat, has partially sunk whereas in port, its proprietor says.

The 20-metre vessel, which moved to the Port of Hamilton from Halifax Harbour in June 2021, by some means took on water Tuesday night time whereas on the Ontario Shipyard in Port Weller.

Its proprietor, Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Monetary, stated in an announcement Wednesday {that a} staff of execs is devising a plan to refloat the tugboat.

“Right now, the reason for this unlucky incident stays unclear,” McKeil stated.

“Nonetheless, we’re dedicated to executing a protected and profitable refloat of our beloved Theodore Too.”

Kayla Graham, government assistant at Breakwater, informed International Information that Theodore Too is partially submerged within the shallow water. The remainder of the vessel is resting within the mud beside a dock.

Pictures shared with International Information present Theodore’s iconic pink ball cap, bulbous nostril and pleasant smile above water.

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Iconic smiling tugboat units sail for his new residence

The 24-year-old tugboat has lengthy been an iconic determine to many Canadians. Inbuilt 2000 in Dayspring, N.S., as a life-sized duplicate of Theodore Tugboat — the title character of a CBC youngsters’s TV present that aired from 1993 to 2001 — Theodore Too was usually seen bobbing within the water of the Halifax Harbour or making appearances in photographs.

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Earlier than his transfer to Hamilton, Theodore spent summers internet hosting youngsters’s excursions of the Halifax Harbour, in addition to cruising the Nice Lakes and seaboard within the U.S. and Canada, selling Nova Scotian tourism.

Since arriving in Ontario, Theodore Too has visited greater than 20 ports alongside the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario and within the U.S., elevating consciousness concerning the marine trade and conservation, restoration and preservation of water assets, Breakwater stated in a information launch.

“Individuals throughout the nation maintain this little tugboat expensive, and we’ll do all the things doable to maintain everybody knowledgeable of our progress,” McKeil stated.

“Relaxation assured, measures have been take to mitigate any potential environmental affect.”

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston stated in a put up on Fb it was “unhappy to see our previous good friend in such a broken state.”

“I’m blissful to learn the proprietor is dedicated to repairing Theodore and a protected and profitable refloat,” he stated.

“Keep sturdy, Theodore!”

In an Instagram put up on its official web page, Theodore Tugboat stated its partial sinking was a “mishap.”

“I’m resting safely on my stomach within the mud and my household in Ontario has assembled a staff of specialists to rigorously proper and refloat me. They’re working tremendous onerous to have me ship form in time for the vacations,” it stated.

“Right now of 12 months, when so a lot of my associates throughout the nation are struggling, I would like you to know the way a lot I really like you all and I want you a heartfelt blissful, wholesome and toot-ally magical vacation. Toot Toot!”

&copy 2024 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.