Identification & Site Information

•Name: BEATRICE

•Type: Wooden Propeller Excursion Boat and Tug

•Built: 1882, by William J. McDonnel in Wallaceburg, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 79 feet (24 meters)

•Beam: 16 feet (4.9 meters)

•Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: ~66 tons

•Net: ~45 tons

•Engine: High-pressure single-cylinder engine, 40 horsepower, repurposed from the 1867 Canadian Tug Beaver

•Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire on December 4, 1885, near Port Stanley, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The BEATRICE was a wooden propeller-driven vessel serving as both a Tug and excursion boat. Its dual role highlighted its versatility, catering to passenger transport while also assisting with towing operations. Equipped with salvaged machinery from the older Tug Beaver, the BEATRICE exemplified resourceful construction practices of the time.

History

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1882 by William J. McDonnel, a noted shipbuilder from Wallaceburg, Ontario, the BEATRICE was originally owned by Captain J. Ellison. The vessel operated under the command of Captain McGregor, serving as a passenger excursion boat and Tug. Its small size and powerful engine made it suitable for versatile operations on Lake Erie and the surrounding waterways.

First Fire (1883)

On August 23, 1883, the BEATRICE encountered its first significant disaster when a fire broke out on the St. Clair River near Port Huron.

•Actions Taken:

The skipper set the vessel adrift to prevent the flames from spreading to the dock. The Tug Ontario attempted a rescue by towing the burning BEATRICE to safety.

•Outcome:

Despite these efforts, the vessel suffered extensive damage, nearing Total Loss, though it was ultimately salvaged and repaired.

Final Fire and Loss (1885)

On December 4, 1885, the BEATRICE met its tragic end near Port Stanley, Ontario.

•Incident Details:

A fire broke out in the engine room, quickly consuming the wooden vessel.

•Casualties:

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

•Outcome:

The fire resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel, marking its final chapter.

Final Disposition

The BEATRICE was destroyed by fire near Port Stanley, Ontario, in 1885. No salvage was possible, and the vessel was declared a Total Loss. Its fiery end highlights the challenges of operating wooden vessels equipped with early high-pressure steam engines, which posed significant fire risks.

Legacy

The story of the BEATRICE underscores the hazards faced by late 19th-century vessels on the Great Lakes. Despite its versatility and resourceful construction, the vessel’s history was marred by two devastating fires. Its ultimate loss serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of wooden steam-powered ships and the unpredictable nature of maritime operations during that period.

Resources & Links

1.Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: Database of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of shipwrecks and incidents.

3.Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical details on vessels like the BEATRICE.

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeErie #WoodenTug #ExcursionBoat #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #PortStanley

Conclusion

The BEATRICE had a brief but eventful life on the Great Lakes, balancing its dual role as an excursion boat and Tug. Despite its innovative use of salvaged machinery and versatile design, the vessel fell victim to two devastating fires, culminating in its destruction in 1885. The tragic loss of the BEATRICE reflects the risks of maritime operations on Lake Erie during a time of evolving shipbuilding and navigation practices.