Other Names #
- BRUCE MINE
History #
The steamer BRUCE MINES, also referred to as Bruce Mine, was a sidewheel steamer that operated between the north shore of Lake Huron and Montreal in the mid-19th century. It was owned by the Montreal Mining Company and played a crucial role in transporting supplies for the copper mines located in Bruce Mines, a community on the north shore of Lake Huron.
On November 28, 1854, the Bruce Mines encountered a severe gale off Cape Hurd, near Tobermory, Ontario. The vessel was heavily laden with gunpowder, foodstuffs, and mining supplies. As the gale intensified, the ship began to take on water and sprung a leak. Despite efforts to lighten the ship by throwing overboard anything that could be spared, the water continued to rise. By daylight, the fires were extinguished, the engines stopped working, and the rudder became disabled, leaving the ship at the mercy of the waves.
With 26 people on board, including three passengers, the crew realized the gravity of the situation. There were only two small lifeboats available, and a rush was made to secure a place in them. In order to maintain order, Captain Frederick M. Fraser, the son of the late Colonel McKenzie Fraser, brandished a pair of pistols and threatened to shoot anyone attempting to board the lifeboats without his order. This measure succeeded in preventing chaos.
Eventually, 15 people were assisted onto the mate’s boat, while Captain Fraser and nine others boarded the other lifeboat. The mate’s boat was successfully launched, but the tackle on the passenger’s boat got entangled, preventing it from being released. In a moment of resourcefulness, the mate grabbed an axe and began cutting the rope. Just as he severed the final part, the boat sank with a crash. Fortunately, the passengers in the mate’s boat managed to survive.
Following the sinking of the Bruce Mines, the passengers and crew faced a perilous journey to reach shore. They battled treacherous waves, with each one posing a threat to their small boat. After enduring hunger and wet conditions for four days and five hours, they reached Owen’s Sound, Ontario, on December 2, 1854.
The loss of the Bruce Mines was a significant setback for the Montreal Mining Company. The cargo, valued at $30,000, including a large quantity of gunpowder, was lost. However, despite the property loss, all lives were saved thanks to the efforts of Captain Fraser and the crew.
The wreck of the Bruce Mines remained visible at low water for several years after the incident and was reportedly in good condition in 1883. The loss of the ship had an unintended consequence, benefiting the migrant Indigenous people in the area who
the debris and recovered supplies such as flour and liquor.
