The Ill-Fated Cambria: A Sidewheel Steamer’s Tragic Journey
A Navigational Error Leads to the Demise of a Passenger and Freight Vessel
On July 16, 1902, the tranquil waters of Lake Erie turned treacherous near Reid’s Island in the Welland Canal. It was on this day that the Cambria, a sidewheel steamer with a storied past, met its tragic end due to a navigational error.
Originally built in 1877 as the Champion, a sidewheel tug, by A.F. Beaulieu in Levis, Quebec, the vessel underwent a significant transformation in 1887. It was lengthened by 44 feet and converted into a passenger vessel, christened as the Cambria. The steam-powered vessel measured 175 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and had a depth of 11 feet.
With a gross tonnage of 937 and a net tonnage of 590, the Cambria possessed the capacity to accommodate both passengers and package freight. It served as a vital link between various ports, providing transportation and connecting communities along the way.
However, on that fateful day in July, tragedy struck as the Cambria sheared off and struck the rocks surrounding Reid’s Island. The vessel, carrying passengers, was a victim of a navigational error that led to its untimely demise. Although there was no loss of life, the impact was severe enough to render the Cambria a constructive total loss.
Soon after the incident, efforts were made to raise the vessel, but it was evident that the damage was irreparable. The Cambria, once a majestic sidewheel steamer, was now destined to become a haunting reminder of the perils of navigating the Great Lakes.
Prior to its final demise, the Cambria had already faced its share of challenges. In 1897, it had struck a log raft, resulting in significant damage to its wheels and machinery. The vessel had also been involved in a collision with another ship, the United Empire, in 1893, which left its stern badly damaged. Yet, the Cambria persevered and continued its service on the Lake Huron route.
Owned by M. Nesbitt of Port Arthur, Ontario, the Cambria’s ill-fated journey came to an end on that fateful day in 1902. The vessel was stripped of its engines and fixtures, ultimately meeting its demise as it was broken up.
The loss of the Cambria serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Its story joins the countless others that stand as a testament to the bravery of sailors and the indomitable spirit of maritime exploration.
The Cambria may be gone, but its memory lives on as a cautionary tale, etched into the annals of maritime history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to traverse the vast and unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes, where even the smallest navigational error can have catastrophic consequences.
