Identification & Site Information:

• Wreck Name: ALICE BROOKS

• Official Number: C80909

• Vessel Type: Propeller Tug

• Year Built: 1882

• Builder: Alfred Hackett

• Construction Location: Port Elgin, Ontario

• Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 41 feet (12.5 m)

• Beam: 12 feet (3.7 m)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 17 tons

• Net: 11 tons

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on December 7, 1885

• Location: Lake Huron, near the mouth of the Saugeen River, Port Elgin, Ontario

Vessel Type Description:

The ALICE BROOKS was a small but robust wooden propeller Tug designed for towing and rescue operations. With its manageable size and 12-horsepower engine from Corbet & Sons in Owen Sound, the vessel was ideal for operating in tight and shallow waterways. Such tugs were essential for assisting larger vessels and performing rescue operations on the Great Lakes.

History:

The ALICE BROOKS was constructed in 1882 for E. Brooks of Port Elgin, Ontario, and registered in Owen Sound. It played a pivotal role in the local maritime economy, undertaking towing and rescue missions. On December 7, 1885, the Tug attempted to aid the Schooner MARY S. GORDON, which had grounded near the Saugeen River’s mouth during harsh weather. Tragically, the ALICE BROOKS ran aground during this mission and sustained catastrophic damage to its Hull, leading to its Total Loss.

While most of the MARY S. GORDON’s cargo and some equipment from the ALICE BROOKS were salvaged by other tugs, including the JAMES CLARK and EVENING STAR, the ALICE BROOKS itself was beyond repair. Despite the accident, no lives were lost.

Final Disposition:

The vessel was declared a Total Loss following the wreck, but its registration remained active until December 3, 1911, when it was officially closed.

Located By & Date:

No detailed records exist about the modern discovery or exploration of the wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck’s historical age and wooden construction suggest that it has likely deteriorated over time. Its location near the Saugeen River may make it accessible to divers or maritime enthusiasts, though no formal surveys have been documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the site.

• Navigational Hazard: None reported.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion:

The ALICE BROOKS is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by small vessels in Great Lakes rescue operations. Its service and tragic end during a rescue mission highlight the critical roles tugs played in 19th-century maritime commerce and safety. The vessel’s story is a testament to the bravery of Great Lakes mariners and the challenges of navigating these inland seas.

Keywords:

• ALICE BROOKS

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• 19th Century Maritime Disaster

• Great Lakes Rescue Operations

• Propeller Tug

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes