IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name: Alert (formerly Chippewa)

Type: Wooden Canal Tug

Build Location: Port Robinson, Welland Canal, Ontario

Year Built: 1886

Builder: William Ross & Sons

Dimensions: Length: 58.4 feet (17.8 meters); Gross Tonnage: 47 tons; Net Tonnage: 32 tons

Machinery: Reused from another vessel, rated at 28 horsepower

Final Location: Niagara River, near Chippewa, Ontario

Final Disposition: Sank in 1926; officially removed from the registry on December 31, 1937

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Alert, a wooden canal Tug, was designed for towing and other auxiliary functions on the Welland Canal and Lake Erie. It was built by William Ross & Sons in 1886, with machinery repurposed from another vessel. The compact size and robust design were ideal for navigating the canal system. The Tug was appraised at $6,000 in 1890, reflecting its value in the regional transportation network, and its worth fluctuated over the years based on market conditions and operational capacity.

HISTORY

Originally named Chippewa, the Tug was launched in 1886 and began service under the ownership of the Welland Canal Tug Co., managed by the F.W. Carter family. The Tug served primarily in the Welland Canal and Lake Erie, facilitating the movement of cargo and other vessels through the busy waterways.

By 1895, the Tug was renamed Alert. Its reputation as a reliable canal Tug made it a sought-after asset. The Montreal Transportation Co.acquired the vessel and later sold it in 1921, along with two other tugs, as part of a package deal to the Harrigan Tug Line for $15,000. Ownership transitioned again to E.O. Leahey of Niagara Falls, Ontario, by 1924.

The Alert remained an integral part of the local maritime industry until its tragic end in 1926. The Tug sank in the Niagara River near Chippewa, Ontario. The exact circumstances of the sinking are unclear, but the incident marked the end of its operational career. The vessel was officially removed from the shipping register on December 31, 1937, after being out of service for over a decade.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Alert was a Total Loss after sinking in the Niagara River in 1926. The Tug was not salvaged or returned to service. Its removal from the register in 1937 symbolized the end of its historical journey, and its remains have likely deteriorated over time in the river’s waters.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Alert is believed to be located in the Niagara River near Chippewa, Ontario. Given the passage of time and the river’s conditions, the Tug’s remains are likely heavily deteriorated or buried. The site has not been documented as a significant dive or exploration site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels and wrecks.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck records of Great Lakes vessels.

•Niagara River Historical Society: Local historical insights and archives on regional shipwrecks.

CONCLUSION

The Alert, originally built as the Chippewa, was a testament to the industrious maritime operations of the Welland Canal and Lake Erie region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its construction in 1886 to its sinking in 1926, the Tug served faithfully in its role, supporting the transportation and logistics network. Its tragic sinking in the Niagara River underscores the risks faced by vessels in this era, even those operating close to shore. Today, the story of the Alert lives on as a part of the rich maritime history of Ontario.

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#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #NiagaraRiver #WellandCanal #MaritimeHistory #AlertTug #Chippewa #WoodenTug #19thCenturyShips