Theodore Too, the beloved life-sized reproduction of Theodore Tugboat, has been “safely righted and refloated,” its proprietor says.
The 20-metre vessel, which moved to the Port of Hamilton from Halifax Harbour in June 2021, partially sank Tuesday night time after one way or the other taking over water whereas on the Ontario Shipyard in Port Weller.
Its proprietor, Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Monetary, stated in a press release Wednesday {that a} crew of pros was devising a plan to refloat the tugboat.
Late Thursday, Breakwater stated in a press release that these professionals have been in a position to save the 24-year-old tugboat.
“We’re glad to announce that at roughly 3 p.m. at present, Theodore Too was safely righted and refloated,” it stated.
“We nonetheless have a variety of work to do, however with that being stated, we wish to thank Olous Boag and his crew from Ontario Shipyards for his or her quick help and experience with the salvage and refloat operations.”
The corporate went on to additionally thank subcontractor ASI Group for its dive crew work, in addition to the Canadian Coast Guard’s pressing response crew for its assist.
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It’s nonetheless unclear how Theodore Too, which has lengthy been an iconic determine to many Canadians, took on water.
Kayla Graham, government assistant at Breakwater, informed International Information Wednesday that Theodore Too was partially submerged within the shallow water. The remainder of the vessel was resting within the mud beside a dock.
Photographs shared with International Information confirmed Theodore’s iconic crimson ball cap, bulbous nostril and pleasant smile above water.
In-built 2000 in Dayspring, N.S., as a life-sized reproduction of Theodore Tugboat — the title character of a CBC youngsters’s TV present that aired from 1993 to 2001 — Theodore Too was typically seen bobbing within the water of the Halifax Harbour or making appearances in photographs.
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 sources, Breakwater stated in a information launch.
The partial sinking stirred emotion amongst some outstanding Canadians, together with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who stated in a Fb publish Wednesday it was “unhappy to see our previous good friend in such a broken state.”
“I’m glad to learn the proprietor is dedicated to repairing Theodore and a protected and profitable refloat,” he stated.
“Keep sturdy, Theodore!”
In an Instagram publish on its official web page Wednesday, 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 crew of consultants 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 lots of my buddies throughout the nation are struggling, I need you to know the way a lot I like you all and I want you a heartfelt glad, wholesome and toot-ally magical vacation. Toot Toot!”
© 2024 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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