IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name:

Sir Hector

Year of Build:

1891

Built at:

Ottawa, Ontario

Type:

Tugboat (Screw-Propelled)

Hull Materials:

Wood

Number of Decks:

1

Original Official Number:

96892

Dimensions:

•Length: 71 feet (21.6 meters)

•Beam: 16 feet (4.9 meters)

•Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

Tonnage (Gross):

40 tons

Location:

Lat: 45.6274734030753

Lon: -74.7451025086892

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Sir Hector was a wooden-hulled, screw-propelled Tugboat constructed in Ottawa in 1891 by a builder named Waters. It was designed to support the burgeoning maritime operations in and around Ottawa’s rivers and canals. With a Gross Tonnage of 40 tons, the vessel was robust and built for towing, assisting ships in harbors, and other critical transportation roles in the Ottawa region.

HISTORY

The Sir Hector commenced service shortly after its construction, playing a vital role in the logistical and transportation network of Ottawa and surrounding waterways. Initially owned by J. Heney of Ottawa in 1895, the vessel reflected the region’s reliance on tugboats for managing heavy loads and navigating smaller, challenging water channels.

In 1901, ownership transferred to the Ottawa Transportation Co., which utilized the Tugboat for operational needs until at least 1916. The vessel’s long service life demonstrates its importance in regional maritime commerce, contributing to the industrial activities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS

March 6, 1897:

The Sir Hector was involved in a significant collision near L’Orignal, Ontario, when it was rammed and sunk by a vessel named Hall. This accident severely damaged the Tugboat, necessitating salvage operations. The Sir Hector was successfully raised and repaired, demonstrating its value to the local transportation industry.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Sir Hector was ultimately retired, marking the end of its operational life. The exact details of its final years are unclear, but its retirement likely resulted from age, wear, and technological advancements. The Tugboat’s legacy, however, endures as a part of Ontario’s rich maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are currently related to the Sir Hector. The historical location of its operational incidents is noted, but no modern navigational hazards are associated with the vessel.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of records and historical accounts related to the Great Lakes and adjacent waterways.

•Ottawa Historical Archives: Contains detailed documentation of regional maritime activities and vessel histories.

CONCLUSION

The Sir Hector played a pivotal role in supporting commerce and transportation in the Ottawa region during its service from 1891 into the early 20th century. Despite challenges such as the 1897 collision, the vessel was salvaged and continued operations for several years under different ownership. Its retirement marked the conclusion of its practical utility, but the Sir Hector remains a testament to the essential function of tugboats in Ontario’s maritime history.

KEYWORDS

Sir Hector, Tugboat, Ottawa Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 19th-Century Maritime History, Wooden Shipwreck, Towing Operations, Ottawa Transportation Co., J. Heney, L’Orignal Ontario