History #
The steamer ARGYLE was built in 1864 by A.M. Robertson in Hamilton, Ontario. It had a length of 94 feet, a beam of 14 feet, and a depth of 7 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 121 tons and a net tonnage of 82 tons. It was initially owned by W. Ellis of Dundas.
In August 1877, while described as a paddle steamer, the ARGYLE encountered a mishap near Port Rowan, Ontario, in Lake Erie. The vessel collided with a dock, causing a large hole in its side and leaving it in a sinking condition. It was not expected to survive, and efforts to assist the vessel were complicated by legal restrictions. Canadian authorities did not permit the use of a steam pump from Buffalo, as it was illegal to use U.S. wrecking equipment in Canadian waters.
Despite the challenges, a representative from the insurance company managed to stop up the 6×6 foot hole in the vessel’s side and bailed it out by hand to prevent it from sinking further. The ARGYLE was carrying passengers at the time of the incident, and many of them were rescued by the propeller DOMINION. The vessel was owned by Graham & Co. of St. Catharines.
