Identification & Site Information

Vessel Names:

•Original Name: George W. Cuyler

•Renamed: Beaverton

•Final Name: Beaverstone

Type: Tugboat

Year Built: 1880

Built At: West Bay City, Michigan

Dimensions:

•Length: 69 feet

•Beam: 14.6 feet

•Depth: 6 feet

•Tonnage: 46 gross tons, 28 net tons

Propulsion: High-pressure engine, single propeller

Final Location: Near Bustard Island, Georgian Bay, Ontario

Date of Loss: May 23, 1926 (alternatively May 14 in some records)

Cause of Loss: Blown ashore during a storm

Vessel Type Description

The Beaverstone was a wooden Tugboat, typical of late 19th and early 20th-century Great Lakes vessels. Originally designed for towing and harbor work, the vessel featured a high-pressure engine, providing reliable propulsion for its size and purpose. These tugs were essential for guiding larger ships, towing barges, and assisting in industrial activities, reflecting the bustling maritime commerce of the Great Lakes.

History

Built in 1880 as the George W. Cuyler, the Tug served its early years under American ownership. In 1902, it was sold to Canadian interests and renamed Beaverton, later becoming Beaverstone. Throughout its operational life, the Tug contributed significantly to industrial activities, particularly under the ownership of the C. Beck Manufacturing Co. of Penetanguishene, Ontario.

On May 23, 1926, the Beaverstone was operating near Bustard Island in Georgian Bay when a severe storm arose. The powerful winds and waves overwhelmed the vessel, driving it ashore. Despite attempts to free the Tug, the low water levels—a result of the diversion of water from Lake Michigan via the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal—exacerbated the situation. The Tug ultimately broke apart and sank in approximately six feet of water.

The Beaverstone’s loss underscores the risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly as reduced water levels exposed hazardous shoals, complicating navigation and increasing the likelihood of wrecks. The local press of the time highlighted these environmental challenges as a factor in the Tug’s destruction.

Final Disposition

The Beaverstone lies in shallow waters off Bustard Island in Georgian Bay, partially destroyed by waves during the storm. The wreck posed significant challenges to salvage efforts, which were costly and ultimately unsuccessful. It is uncertain if any part of the vessel remains visible today.

Located By & Date

While the wreck was immediately documented following its loss in 1926, specific details about its precise location and modern identification efforts remain unavailable. It is presumed that the wreckage was well-known to local authorities and salvage teams at the time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Beaverstone. Given its shallow depth and the time elapsed since its loss, the site likely poses no significant navigational hazard today.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Database

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List

•Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The loss of the Beaverstone in 1926 is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by small vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather. Its destruction highlights the impact of changing environmental conditions, such as reduced water levels, on the safety of navigation. While the exact details of the incident remain somewhat ambiguous, the Tug’s history as an industrial workhorse contributes to the rich maritime heritage of Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes as a whole.

Keywords

•Beaverstone Tugboat

•Georgian Bay shipwreck

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Storm-related shipwrecks

•Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal impact