The WAHNAPITAE was a famous old lumber tug that had a long and eventful history before meeting its fate as a wreck. Here is a summary of its story based on the provided historical records:
- The WAHNAPITAE was originally built in Penetang, likely during the winter of 1904-05 by the C. Beck Co., Limited.
- For many years, the tug was used to tow large log-rafts across Georgian Bay from Little Current. It was equipped with a triple expansion engine, steam steering gear, and wireless communication.
- In 1929, the tug was sold to the Keenan Towing Co., a subsidiary of the Keenan Wood Products Co., based in Owen Sound. It was then used to tow barges loaded with logs from various locations.
- After some time, the tug was sold again, this time to the J.J. McFadden Lumber Co. of Blind River, where it was used to tow rafts of white and red pine logs.
- The WAHNAPITAE was eventually sold to Sorel Harbour Tugs, Limited, of Sorel, Quebec. Under this new ownership, its name was changed to DICK T.
- On or around September 1, 1945, the DICK T. grounded at the northeast point of the entrance to Chaudiere Basin in Quebec during thick and stormy weather. The tug was refloated but was deemed beyond repair.
- The DICK T. was then towed to Windsor Cove, above Levis, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, where it was abandoned.
- The wreck of the WAHNAPITAE/DICK T. was a dangerous obstruction to navigation for years, lying close to the west breakwater in Cleveland.
- The barge was insured for $20,000, with the freight list also insured for $4,000, in case of loss.
- The WAHNAPITAE had a long history of being difficult to handle due to its size, causing disruptions to freight rates and posing a risk to other vessels.
The records also mention various dates and details of the wreck’s history, including its insurance, attempts to salvage it, and its final resting place as a wreck at Windsor Cove.
