Other Names
F.B. Brady
History
Maritime history is rich with tales of vessels that have traversed the waters, each with its unique story. One such vessel that experienced a change in name and ultimately met a tragic fate is F.B. Brady, a tugboat that sailed the waters of Lake Erie. Built in 1901 and later renamed Thomas Freel Battle, this wooden propeller steam tug played a significant role in the region’s maritime activities. Join us as we delve into the history of F.B. Brady, its transformation into Thomas Freel Battle, and the unfortunate events that led to its destruction.
In 1901, Freeman Green Sr. constructed the F.B. Brady in Dunnville, Ontario. This tugboat, built with a wooden hull, measured 47 feet in length, 13 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet. Powered by a single-cylinder engine and equipped with a screw propulsion system, the F.B. Brady was designed as a reliable towboat to support maritime operations on Lake Erie.
In 1905, the F.B. Brady underwent a significant change when it was renamed Thomas Freel Battle. The reasons behind this renaming remain unknown, but it marked a new chapter in the tugboat’s history. Registered out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Thomas Freel Battle continued its duties, providing essential towing services and support to other vessels navigating the Great Lakes.
On October 17, 1907, tragedy struck the Thomas Freel Battle while it was moored at a plaster dock in Port Maitland Harbor, Ontario. A fire broke out near the vessel’s boiler, quickly engulfing the tugboat. Despite the crew’s efforts, they were powerless to extinguish the rapidly spreading flames. Tragically, the fire consumed the Thomas Freel Battle entirely, resulting in its total loss.
Fortunately, no lives were lost during the devastating fire that claimed the Thomas Freel Battle. The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving room for speculation and unanswered questions. This unfortunate event marked the end of the tugboat’s journey and left a void in the maritime landscape of Lake Erie.
The tale of F.B. Brady, later known as Thomas Freel Battle, highlights the unpredictable nature of maritime operations. From its inception as a sturdy wooden tugboat to its renaming and ultimate destruction in a tragic fire, this vessel played a vital role in the region’s maritime activities. While the Thomas Freel Battle’s story ended abruptly, it serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by ships and their crews on the vast and unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.
External Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills Listing
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
