Shipwreck Report: Propeller Annie Watt (1884)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Annie Watt
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: C85326
• Vessel Type: Wooden propeller-driven Packet Steamer (passenger & package freight)
• Built: 1884, by A. Hackett, Lion’s Head, Ontario
• Home Port: Owen Sound, Ontario
• Specifications Length: 75 feet (22.9 metres) Beam: 16 feet (4.9 metres) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 metres) Gross Tonnage: 62 tons Net Tonnage: 42 tons

Operational History

The Annie Watt was built in 1884 at Lion’s Head, Ontario, and operated as a Packet Steamer, transporting passengers and small cargo along Lake Huron’s eastern shore.

A Packet Steamer like the Annie Watt was designed for scheduled service between ports, carrying passengers, mail, and merchandise. She served small communities along Georgian Bay, connecting them with Owen Sound and Lion’s Head, two key hubs in the region.

Trade Route: Regularly ran between Owen Sound, Lion’s Head, and smaller settlements along the Bruce Peninsula. Played a crucial role in supplying remote areas with goods and providing transportation for residents.

Previous Incident (1889 Fire & Rebuild): On November 8, 1889, the Annie Watt caught fire and was declared a Total Loss. However, she was Rebuilt and returned to service, showing her economic importance to the region.

Final Voyage and Loss

• Date of Loss: August 13, 1890 (some records say August 16)
• Location: Off Gunn Point, Ontario (also reported as near Barrier Island), Lake Huron
• Cause: Collision with Steamer Alderson
• Cargo at Loss: Small shipment of merchandise
• Loss of Life: None

Incident Details

The Annie Watt was en route to Lion’s Head when she collided with the Steamer Alderson. The impact caused her to sink quickly, though the crew and any passengers were rescued. Newspaper accounts from August 14 report the sinking occurred on August 13, while official records list August 16 as the loss date. The wreck location varies in sources, with some stating Gunn Point and others Barrier Island.

Legacy and Significance

A Key Packet Steamer for Bruce Peninsula The Annie Watt was a vital lifeline for remote settlements, carrying mail, cargo, and people. Her loss disrupted transportation and trade in the region.

Importance of Small Steamers in Great Lakes Navigation While larger Great Lakes freighters dominated major ports, small vessels like the Annie Watt were crucial for coastal communities. The collision with a larger Steamer highlights the risks small boats faced in busy shipping lanes.

Maritime Hazards in Georgian Bay The Bruce Peninsula has seen many shipwrecks, with unpredictable weather, navigation errors, and congested shipping routes leading to accidents. The Annie Watt’s sinking is one of many recorded in the area, making it a notable event in Ontario’s maritime history.

Wreck Site and Potential Remains

• Location: Off Gunn Point or near Barrier Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
• Current Condition: Given her wooden construction, most of the wreckage would have deteriorated over time.However, metal parts like boiler fittings, engine components, or cargo remains may still exist.
• Potential for Discovery: The shallow, rocky waters near Gunn Point and Barrier Island make the site accessible for divers and sonar surveys.
• No widely known recovery or dive reports have been recorded, making it a possible target for exploration.

Further Research and Resources

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston https://www.marmuseum.ca Holds records on Great Lakes steamers and shipwrecks.
• Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (Southampton, ON) https://www.brucemuseum.ca Features exhibits on Bruce Peninsula’s maritime history, including local shipwrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca A searchable archive of shipwreck records, newspapers, and historical documents.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society Works to document and protect historical shipwreck sites in the Great Lakes region.
• Wikipedia – Lion’s Head

Conclusion

The Annie Watt (1884) was a small but essential Packet Steamer, serving the Bruce Peninsula’s trade and transportation network before her loss in a collision in 1890. Despite an earlier fire and Rebuild, her second loss marked the end of her service life. Though no lives were lost, her sinking highlights the dangers faced by smaller vessels in Great Lakes shipping lanes. The wreck site remains largely unconfirmed, making it a potential target for maritime research and exploration.