Shipwreck Report: Tugboat Cantin

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Cantin

•Type: Screw-Propelled Tugboat

•Year Built: 1875

•Builder Location: Montreal, Quebec

•Dimensions:

•Length: 96 feet (29.3 meters)

•Beam: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Tonnage (Gross): 75 tons

•Hull Material: Wood

•Owner (as of 1877): J. B. Blanchard, Montreal

•Final Location: Ile Perrot, Quebec

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Cantin was a wooden-hulled Tugboat equipped with a screw-propulsion system, designed to assist larger vessels and tow barges along the Ottawa River. Measuring 96 feet in length, the Cantin was well-suited for its duties in guiding ships through challenging passages, ensuring smooth docking procedures, and maintaining maritime commerce flow in the region.

HISTORY

The Cantin was built in Montreal in 1875 and owned by J. B. Blanchard of Montreal by 1877. It operated primarily on the Ottawa River, a critical transportation and trade route in the late 19th century. Tugboats like the Cantin were indispensable for supporting the burgeoning commercial activity along this waterway, particularly as larger cargo ships required assistance navigating the narrow channels and swift currents of the river.

The Cantin served as a key component of the regional maritime infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and enhancing the safety of river navigation. Its design emphasized utility and efficiency, reflecting the demands placed on tugboats during this period.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On September 19, 1878, the Cantin met a tragic end when a fire broke out aboard the vessel while it was docked at Ile Perrot, Quebec. The fire consumed the wooden Tugboat entirely, leaving no salvageable remains. The cause of the fire is unknown, and contemporary records do not provide detailed accounts of the circumstances leading to the blaze.

Despite the loss of the vessel, no casualties were reported. The destruction of the Cantin serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by wooden vessels of this era, particularly from fire hazards exacerbated by limited safety measures and firefighting capabilities.

CURRENT STATUS

•The wreckage of the Cantin is presumed to be entirely destroyed due to the fire.

•There are no documented archaeological findings or explorations of the site at Ile Perrot.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Cantin. Ile Perrot remains a historically significant location but has not been designated as a maritime archaeological site for the Tugboat’s remains.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Ottawa River: Offers insights into vessels operating on the river, including the role of tugboats.

•Montreal Archives: Source of records on maritime commerce and vessel operations in the late 19th century.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database containing historical accounts of maritime incidents, including fires and wrecks.

CONCLUSION

The Cantin played a vital role in the Ottawa River’s maritime trade during its brief service life. Built in Montreal and owned by J. B. Blanchard, the Tugboat exemplified the utility of screw-propelled wooden vessels in navigating and supporting commerce on inland waterways. Its destruction by fire in 1878 marked the premature end of a valuable asset to the region, highlighting the dangers faced by vessels of its time. While the Cantin no longer exists as a physical artifact, its story remains a testament to the challenges and contributions of 19th-century tugboats in Canadian waterways.

KEYWORDS

Cantin, Tugboat, Wooden Screw Propulsion, J. B. Blanchard, Ile Perrot, Ottawa River Maritime History, Montreal Shipbuilding, 19th-Century Maritime Disasters, Tugboat Fire.