Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: LAURA GRACE
• Type: Wooden Tugboat (Towboat)
• Year Built: 1901
• Builder: Robert J. Morrill, Collingwood, Ontario
• Construction: Wooden Hull, Screw Propulsion
• Engine: Steeple compound engine with two cylinders (from MARY ANN, 1890)
• Boiler: Scotch boiler, 16 + 18 x 22 inches (built by John Inglis & Company, Toronto)
• Dimensions: Length: 76 feet (23.1 meters) Beam: 16 feet 6 inches (5 meters) Depth of Hold: 11 feet (3.3 meters)
• Tonnage: Gross: 85 tons Net: 58 tons
• Final Voyage: Date: December 6, 1918
• Final Location: Long Pond Outlet, Greece, New York, Lake Ontario
• Depth: Approximately 15 inches (shallow waters)

Vessel Type Description

The LAURA GRACE was a typical early 20th-century wooden Tugboat designed for a variety of tasks, including towing, salvage, and support operations. It was built with repurposed machinery, reflecting the practical resourcefulness of the time. Its steeple compound engine and Scotch boiler, originating from the earlier Tug MARY ANN, allowed it to operate effectively in the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service:

The LAURA GRACE was constructed in 1901 by Robert J. Morrill in Collingwood, Ontario, and initially served the Lake Superior Tug Co. in Port Arthur, Ontario. This Tug played a key role in maritime activities, from towing to salvage operations.

Notable Operations:

In December 1910, it participated in the salvage of the steel Steamer DUNELM in Port Arthur, emphasizing its importance in the region.

Ownership Changes:

The Tug changed hands several times throughout its life, demonstrating its value to various companies:

1. Original Owner: Lake Superior Tug Co., Port Arthur.
2. 1918: Sold to Montreal Transportation Co. for $24,500.

Final Voyage:

On December 6, 1918, the LAURA GRACE ran aground near Grandview Beach in Greece, New York, while navigating Lake Ontario. This incident occurred near the Long Pond Outlet during challenging conditions.

• Casualties: None. The crew of nine and one passenger (a woman) were rescued successfully.
• Outcome: The Tug was Abandoned after running aground and was considered a Total Loss. It was removed from subsequent shipping registers.

Current Condition

The wreck lies in extremely shallow waters at the Long Pond Outlet, with a reported depth of just 15 inches. The site is likely obscured by silt and vegetation, making it challenging to locate without detailed historical and environmental surveys.

Significance

The LAURA GRACE is a testament to the rugged Maritime History of the Great Lakes, where vessels faced unpredictable weather, Navigation Hazards, and the demands of evolving shipping needs. Its service life highlights the adaptability of early Tugboat designs and the importance of such vessels in supporting the industrial and commercial activities of the region.

References & Resources

• Montreal Transportation Co. Archives of Directors’ Reports (1918-1920), Cash and Ship Logs
• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes. Canadian Ship Registers
• Bureau Veritas Great Lakes Register (1919)
• Bascom and Gillham: Early Ships of Canada Steamship Lines
• Detroit Marine Historian Newsletter(1952)

Legacy

The LAURA GRACE, though now Abandoned, serves as an important reminder of the resilience and innovation of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping. The vessel’s contributions, particularly in towing and salvage, are emblematic of the critical support roles played by tugboats in the maritime industry.

Tags

LAURA GRACE, Wooden Tugboat, Great Lakes Tugboat History, Long Pond Outlet Wreck, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Collingwood-built Vessel, Maritime Heritage.

Youtube Video by Aaron Newman