Theodore TOO, the beloved 65-foot replica of the iconic character from CBC’s Theodore Tugboat series, was successfully righted and refloated at approximately 3:00 PM on Thursday following a tense salvage operation. The tugboat had partially submerged in shallow waters near a dock at Ontario Shipyard on Tuesday night.
The incident, which saw Theodore TOO resting gently on the bottom of the harbor, prompted an immediate and coordinated response from experts across the marine and salvage industries. Leading the operation was Olous Boag and his team from Ontario Shipyards, whose expertise and swift action proved critical in safely refloating the vessel.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this effort,” said a spokesperson for the Theodore TOO team.
Additional support came from Kevin Cameron of North American Marine and the ASI Group’s dive team, who collaborated as subcontractors under Ontario Shipyards. The Canadian Coast Guard’s Urgent Response Team, led by Greg Yizhou Yang, also played a pivotal role, providing specialized equipment to mitigate potential environmental concerns and ensure the operation was conducted safely.
Theodore TOO was built at Snyder’s Shipyard in Dayspring, Nova Scotia, and launched on April 19, 2000. With his “official birthday” on May 5, 2000, this faithful reproduction of Theodore Tugboat was purchased by Blair McKeil in 2021. Since then, the tugboat has served as an ambassador for Canada’s maritime industry, raising awareness about employment opportunities in the sector and advocating for clean water initiatives.
Since his arrival in Ontario, Theodore TOO has visited more than 20 ports along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and even in the United States. His cheerful presence has brought joy to countless communities while highlighting the importance of marine conservation and waterway protection.
While Theodore TOO is now safely afloat once more, the work is far from over. The team will conduct a thorough inspection to assess any damage sustained during the incident and determine the next steps in his recovery and maintenance.
“Theodore TOO has always been a symbol of resilience and hope,” said the spokesperson. “This incident is just another chapter in his journey, and we’re committed to ensuring he continues his mission to inspire and educate communities about Canada’s maritime heritage and environmental stewardship.”
The cause of the submersion remains under investigation. For now, Theodore TOO’s fans can rest assured that their favorite tugboat will be back to spreading joy and promoting marine conservation in no time.
