Theodore Tugboat replica ‘safely righted and refloated’ in Ontario port, says owner
Theodore Too, the famous replica tugboat named after the beloved children’s TV series, has been successfully refloated in St. Catharines, Ontario, after partially sinking earlier this week. The owner of the boat, Breakwater Financial, confirmed that Theodore Too was safely righted and refloated around 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial, had previously reported that the tugboat had taken on water and was resting gently on the bottom in the mud near a deck. The incident occurred at Ontario Shipyards, where Theodore Too is located for the winter. The company expressed gratitude to Ontario Shipyards for their immediate assistance and expertise in refloating the vessel. Additionally, the Canadian Coast Guard’s Urgent Response Team provided equipment to address any environmental concerns during the refloating process.
Theodore Too, a replica of the popular character from the CBC children’s series “Theodore Tugboat,” holds a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. The original show aired from 1993 to 2001, and Theodore Too was constructed in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, in 2000. Its official birthday is celebrated on May 5th each year.
In 2021, Theodore Too was sold to McKeil with the purpose of promoting marine careers and raising awareness for water conservation. The tugboat’s unexpected incident of taking on water on Tuesday night left many fans concerned. Despite the cause of the incident remaining unclear, efforts were made to safely refloat the vessel.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed his sadness at seeing Theodore Too in such a damaged state, referring to the tugboat as a true icon of the province. He shared his relief upon learning that the owner was committed to repairing Theodore Too and ensuring a successful refloat.
The unique history and significance of Theodore Too make it a cherished symbol for many Canadians, and efforts to preserve and protect this iconic vessel are a testament to the enduring legacy of the beloved TV series and its beloved tugboat character.
