Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Lady Colborne

• Year of Build: 1833

• Built At: Aylmer, Quebec

• Type: Sidewheel Steamboat

• Hull Materials: Wood

• Number of Decks: 1

• Original Owner: Blackburn & Grant

• Builder: W. Grant

• Dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 100 feet

• Beam: Approximately 34 feet

• Tonnage (Gross): Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Lady Colborne was a wooden sidewheel Steamboat, a design popular in the early 19th century for its efficiency in navigating rivers and shallow waterways. Built in 1833 by W. Grant, the vessel’s construction represented the emerging reliance on steam-powered transport for both cargo and passengers along the Ottawa River and surrounding waterways.

With its significant size for the period, the Lady Colborne played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and commerce, connecting regional communities during a time when water travel was paramount.

History

The Lady Colborne was launched on October 30, 1832, and quickly became a vital part of the Ottawa River’s maritime network. Operated by Blackburn & Grant, the Steamboat provided a reliable mode of transportation for goods and passengers, essential for the burgeoning trade and settlement activities of the time.

Tragic Incident

Despite its utility, the Lady Colborne’s career was cut short by a catastrophic fire while docked at the Aylmer Wharf. The fire posed an imminent threat to the nearby village of Aylmer, leading to a desperate decision to set the vessel adrift to prevent further destruction.

As the burning Steamboat drifted downriver, it eventually sank in Britannia Bay, marking the end of its service. While this action spared the village from a devastating fire, it resulted in the complete loss of the vessel. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of early steamboats, particularly their susceptibility to fire, which was a common hazard for wooden vessels powered by steam engines.

Final Disposition

The Lady Colborne sank in Britannia Bay after being set adrift. Its final coordinates are approximately 45.35938066828502, -75.8276120047415. The remains of the vessel now rest on the bay’s bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, a poignant relic of the challenges faced by early steamboats and the sacrifices made to protect communities.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck of the Lady Colborne.

• Mariners and researchers exploring Britannia Bay should exercise general caution due to potential underwater obstructions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts of vessels like the Lady Colborne and their contributions to regional trade.

• Ottawa River Historical Society: Archival records and research on the Ottawa River’s maritime history.

Keywords

Lady Colborne, Sidewheel Steamboat, Aylmer Quebec, Britannia Bay, Blackburn & Grant, W. Grant, Ottawa River, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, Steamboat fire.

Conclusion

The Lady Colborne’s tragic demise highlights the precarious nature of early maritime transport. While the vessel’s service contributed significantly to the development of the Ottawa River region, its loss underscores the dangers faced by steamboats, particularly the threat of fire. The decision to sacrifice the Lady Colborne to save the village of Aylmer reflects the resilience and quick thinking of the community during times of crisis.

Today, the Lady Colborne rests as an underwater historical artifact in Britannia Bay, offering a somber reminder of the hazards and innovations of early steam navigation. Its story remains an important chapter in Canada’s 19th-century maritime heritage.