IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Vessel Name: Dauntless

Year of Build: 1885

Built at: Pembroke, Ontario

Type: Sidewheel Steamer

Hull Materials: Wood

Number of Decks: 1

Builder Name: P. Lamothe

Original Owner: Upper Ottawa Towing Co., Ottawa, Ontario

Length: 150 feet (45.72 meters)

Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)

Depth: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

Tonnage (Gross): 342 tons

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The Dauntless was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer built specifically for towing operations on the Upper Ottawa River. Its robust construction, combined with a large beam and powerful engine (32×96, manufactured by G. Brush in Montreal), enabled it to tackle the rigorous demands of moving cargo and navigating the challenging river environment. The engine was repurposed from the earlier vessel “John Egan,” further enhancing its reliability.

HISTORY:

The Dauntless, owned by the Upper Ottawa Towing Co., played a crucial role in the transportation network of the Ottawa River. Serving primarily as a Towboat, the vessel facilitated the movement of goods and resources, particularly timber, a cornerstone of the local economy in the late 19th century. The Steamer connected key ports and towns along the river, ensuring the smooth operation of trade and industry in the region.

The vessel’s engine was later transferred to another ship, the G. B. Greene, marking a significant phase in its operational life. The Dauntless was celebrated for its robust design and efficiency, but its history was not without challenges, including navigating unpredictable river conditions and maintaining safety in a time when fire hazards were a constant risk for steam-powered vessels.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

On May 11, 1894, the Dauntless was engulfed by flames near Allumette Island, Quebec, while en route from Fort William to the Allumette Rapids. The fire spread rapidly, ultimately consuming the vessel and causing it to sink. Though the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, the incident highlights the dangers faced by steam-powered vessels of the era.

The sinking of the Dauntless was a significant blow to the Ottawa River’s transportation infrastructure, depriving the region of a vital asset in its towing operations. The loss also underscored the need for stricter safety measures on steamers navigating these treacherous waters.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Dauntless.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of ships and their operations.

•C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Historical references on Great Lakes and river vessels.

•Ottawa River Maritime Heritage Resources: Local archival information on vessels like the Dauntless.

CONCLUSION:

The Dauntless represents an era when sidewheel steamers were vital to the economic development of the Ottawa region. Its role in supporting trade and transportation highlights its significance, while its fiery demise near Allumette Island serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by mariners. The story of the Dauntless remains a valuable chapter in the history of the Ottawa River and 19th-century Canadian maritime activity.

KEYWORDS:

Dauntless, Sidewheel Steamer, Allumette Island, Ottawa River, 19th-century shipwreck, Upper Ottawa Towing Co., Canadian maritime history, wooden Steamer, Pembroke shipbuilding.