Canadian Towing and Wrecking Co.

Overview:

The Canadian Towing and Wrecking Co. was a Canadian maritime company specializing in the salvage, towing, and repurposing of vessels on the Great Lakes. Based in Ontario, this company was instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by the high volume of maritime traffic during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company operated extensively, providing services such as towing damaged vessels, recovering wrecks, and disposing of obsolete ships.

Key Activities:

1. Marine Salvage:

• The company specialized in the recovery of sunken or grounded vessels, retrieving valuable cargo and equipment while attempting to refloat ships whenever possible.

• They played a significant role in reducing navigational hazards caused by wrecks in busy waterways such as the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

2. Towing Operations:

• Provided towing services for disabled ships, barges, and schooners, often supporting the thriving lumber and grain trade on the Great Lakes.

• Assisted in moving decommissioned vessels to scrapyards or scuttling locations when they were no longer operational.

3. Disposal of Obsolete Vessels:

• Involved in scuttling aging or obsolete ships, particularly in areas like Kingston Harbour and the Amherst Island Graveyard, where old vessels were intentionally sunk to clear space and reduce maintenance costs.

4. Vessel Ownership:

• The company occasionally acquired decommissioned or damaged vessels, repurposing them for additional service or dismantling them for parts. An example is the acquisition of the MARY E. McLACHLAN, a large lake barge formerly operated by the Montreal Transportation Co., which they obtained as part of a trade deal for the vessel VINMOUNT.

Historical Significance:

• Great Lakes Maritime Infrastructure:

• Canadian Towing and Wrecking Co. contributed to maintaining the safety and efficiency of Great Lakes shipping lanes, which were crucial to regional trade and transportation.

• Economic Contributions:

• By salvaging valuable materials and keeping waterways clear of hazards, the company supported the thriving industrial and commercial trade on the lakes.

• Technological Adaptation:

• Used advanced salvage techniques for the time, including grappling hooks, pumps, and later, early underwater cutting equipment.

Notable Operations:

1. MARY E. McLACHLAN:

• The company acquired this former wooden schooner-turned-barge in 1920. The barge was scuttled in 1929 as part of the cleanup of Kingston Harbour, becoming part of the Amherst Island Graveyard.

2. Collaboration with Montreal Transportation Co.:

• Involved in salvage and towing for vessels owned by the Montreal Transportation Co., illustrating its role as a key player in Canadian maritime logistics.

3. Support During Wrecking Incidents:

• Assisted in major wreck recoveries and provided services for damaged ships during storms, collisions, and groundings.

Legacy:

The Canadian Towing and Wrecking Co. was integral to maritime safety and infrastructure development in the Great Lakes region. While the company’s specific operational records have become part of broader Great Lakes maritime history, its role in salvaging, towing, and clearing waterways left a lasting impact on the region’s shipping and industrial capabilities.

Resources for Further Research:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

• Comprehensive database documenting wrecks, towing operations, and salvage efforts.

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File:

• Detailed records of wrecks and their salvaging processes on the Great Lakes.

3. Ontario Archives:

• Includes historical contracts, reports, and documents related to maritime wrecking companies.

4. Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (Bowling Green State University):

• Extensive archives on Great Lakes vessels and their operational histories.

Conclusion:

The Canadian Towing and Wrecking Co. was a cornerstone of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, bridging the gap between active shipping and the disposal of aging vessels. Its efforts not only enhanced navigational safety but also ensured the reuse and recycling of maritime resources in an era of rapid industrialization. The company’s work remains an important chapter in the maritime history of Canada.