Shipwreck Report: ADVANCE (1854 Sidewheel Steamer)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: ADVANCE
• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer (Tugboat)
• Official Number: 32937
• Build Information:
• Year Built: 1854
• Location: Quebec, Canada
• Builder: J. Wilson
• Dimensions: Length: 164 feet (50 meters) Beam: 27 feet (8.2 meters) Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 373 tons
• Engine Specifications: Type: Sidewheel propulsion system
• Engine Dimensions: 45 inches x 120 inches
• Manufacturer: G. Bisset, Quebec
• Final Location: Near Port Union, Ontario, Canada
• Date of Wreck: September 28, 1872
• Condition: Total Loss due to grounding

Vessel Type Description

The Advance was a Sidewheel Steamer primarily designed for towing operations and general utility on the St. Lawrence River. Equipped with a robust propulsion system and a wooden Hull, it represented the mid-19th century design of river steamers. As a Tugboat, the Advancewas integral to assisting larger vessels navigate the lower St. Lawrence River and conducting general transport tasks.

History

The Advance began its service in 1854, owned initially by F. Baby of Quebec. Over its operational years, it changed ownership several times:

• 1860: Transferred to the Provincial Government, marking its role as a utility Steamer.
• 1868: Purchased by the St. Lawrence Towboat Co., emphasizing its importance in towing operations in the busy St. Lawrence River region.

The vessel’s sidewheel propulsion system, powered by a large engine manufactured by G. Bisset in Quebec, enabled it to handle demanding towing tasks, including assisting ships through challenging stretches of the river.

On September 28, 1872, the Advance encountered its demise near Port Union, Ontario. The vessel ran aground, leading to its total wrecking. Although insured for $10,000, the grounding marked the end of its service. Notably, on the same day, other vessels stranded near the eastern gap were successfully refloated, highlighting the unpredictability of navigation in this region.

Final Disposition

The Advance was wrecked on September 28, 1872, near Port Union, Ontario. The vessel ran aground and could not be salvaged. Unlike other vessels stranded in the area on the same day, the Advance was declared a Total Loss. Its remains were not documented in subsequent years, and no significant wreckage has been reported or explored.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site of the Advance. However, the site holds historical significance, and divers or mariners exploring the area should exercise caution.

Located By & Date

The exact site of the wreck has not been formally located or documented in modern times. Its remains, if any, are believed to be scattered or deteriorated near Port Union, Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Advance’s wreck is unknown. As a wooden Sidewheel Steamer wrecked in 1872, it is likely that little remains of the vessel. The site has not been identified or explored extensively, making it inaccessible for diving or recovery efforts.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck data, including historical incidents.
• Great Lakes Ships

Keywords

#Advance #SidewheelSteamer #Tugboat #PortUnion #LakeOntario #StLawrenceRiver #Shipwreck #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #WoodenVessel

Conclusion

The Advance was a vital asset to Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime operations in the mid-19th century. Its contributions to towing and transport, coupled with its unfortunate wreck in 1872, highlight the challenges faced by vessels navigating the region during that period. Although little is known about the current state of its wreckage, the Advance remains an essential part of Canadian maritime history.