Comprehensive Shipwreck Report: Norman P. Clement (William H. Reid)

Identification & Site Information

• Original Name: Norman P. Clement

• Proposed Name: William H. Reid (not officially adopted)

• Type: Steel Propeller Bulk Carrier (later converted to an acid tanker)

• Year Built: 1924

• Builder: J. S. White & Co., Ltd., Cowes, Isle of Wight, England

• Hull Material: Steel

• Official Number: Can #146255

• Dimensions:

• Length: 252 feet (76.8 meters)

• Beam: 43 feet (13.1 meters)

• Depth: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 1,729 tons

• Net Tonnage: 1,112 tons

• Final Location: Off Christian Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Estimated in 350 feet (107 meters) of water

• Depth at Resting Site: 350 feet (107 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Norman P. Clement was initially designed as a Bulk Carrier, equipped to transport dry goods such as grains or ores. The steel-hulled vessel was later converted into an acid tanker in 1962 by Chemical Valley Fabricating Co., Ltd., at Point Edward, Ontario. This modification transformed her into an oil-fired sulfuric acid tanker with a capacity of 2,700 tons. As an acid tanker, she transported volatile chemicals, making her operations riskier than typical bulk cargo carriers.

Ownership History

1. Eastern Steamship Ltd. – Initial owner based in Port Colborne, Ontario.

2. Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co. Ltd. – Took ownership, managing the vessel’s operations across the Great Lakes.

3. Tank Truck Transport Ltd. and later Chembarge Ltd. – Managed the ship following her Conversion to an acid tanker.

Operational History

Bulk Carrier Era (1924–1961):

• Launched in 1924, Norman P. Clement served as a Bulk Carrier for nearly four decades. She was integral to the Great Lakes trade, hauling commodities essential for industrial growth, including grains, ores, and raw materials.

Conversion to Acid Tanker (1961–1968):

• In 1961, the ship underwent a complete refit at Point Edward, Ontario, transforming her into an acid tanker. While she was informally listed under the name William H. Reid, this name was never officially registered.

• As an acid tanker, she carried sulfuric acid and similar chemicals across the Great Lakes, playing a vital role in supporting the burgeoning chemical industry.

Final Incident: Explosion and Sinking

Grounding at Britt, Ontario:

• Date: Early October 1968

• Event: Norman P. Clement ran aground near Britt, Ontario, causing significant damage to her Hull.

• Initial Recovery: The vessel was refloated and transported to Collingwood Shipyards, Ltd., in Collingwood, Ontario, for repairs.

Explosion During Repairs:

• Date: October 16, 1968

• Location: Dry dock at Collingwood Shipyards

• Cause: Gas fumes ignited while the ship was undergoing repairs.

• Casualties: 11 individuals were hospitalized with injuries.

• Aftermath:

• The explosion left the vessel heavily damaged and deemed beyond repair.

• Shipyard operations were halted, and 700 workers were evacuated as caustic soda was pumped into the ship’s Hull to neutralize remaining gas fumes.

Scuttling:

• Date: October 23, 1968

• Event: Towed by the Tug Dana T. Bowen, the vessel was scuttled in 350 feet of water off Christian Island in Georgian Bay.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: Likely intact but in poor condition due to the explosion damage and subsequent scuttling.

• Diving Accessibility:

• Depth of 350 feet limits accessibility to technical divers with advanced equipment.

• As an acid tanker, potential environmental hazards might persist.

Legacy and Historical Significance

1. Innovation in Maritime Transport:

The Norman P. Clement highlights the transition of Great Lakes vessels from bulk carriers to specialized tankers, reflecting advancements in industrial shipping practices during the mid-20th century.

2. Maritime Safety Lessons:

The explosion underscores the dangers of handling volatile chemicals and the need for stringent safety protocols in maritime operations.

3. Historical Records:

As a vessel with over four decades of service and multiple roles, the Norman P. Clement remains a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping.

Photographs & Visual Documentation

1. Community Heritage Waterfront Centre, Owen Sound:

• Photos of the vessel during her active years are preserved.

• URL: Community Heritage Waterfront Centre

2. Maritime History Archives:

• Historical images and documents are accessible at:

Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Key Sources and References

1. Great Lakes Vessel History – Norman P. Clement

2. [Great Lakes Red Book (1966)]

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

4. David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords

Norman P. Clement, William H. Reid, Acid Tanker, Bulk Carrier, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Collingwood Shipyards Explosion, Dana T. Bowen, Christian Island Scuttling, Maritime History, Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co.

Conclusion

The Norman P. Clement was a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry, adapting to evolving demands over her extensive career. From her early years as a Bulk Carrier to her later role as an acid tanker, she represents the resilience and innovation of Great Lakes maritime history. However, her tragic end, marked by an explosion during repairs and subsequent scuttling, serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of maritime operations. Her story endures as a testament to the dynamic and often perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping.

Photos from Community Heritage Waterfront Centre, Owen Sound, http://waterfrontheritage.ca/wordpress