A Tale of Perseverance and Tragedy #
Maritime history is filled with stories of courageous vessels and their unfortunate encounters with treacherous waters. One such vessel, the steambarge Bruno, had a long and eventful life before meeting its tragic end off Magnetic Reef in Lake Huron on November 11, 1890. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of the Bruno, from its construction in Montreal to its final moments as it carried a cargo of coal and towed the schooner Louisa.
The Bruno was built in 1863 by Bruno Loignon in Montreal, Quebec. This wooden propeller steambarge measured 136 feet in length, 26.5 feet in beam, and 12.1 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 475 tons and a net tonnage of 236 tons. Originally owned by J. & R. Allan, the Bruno was designed to transport both passengers and freight across the Great Lakes.
Throughout its existence, the Bruno faced numerous challenges and underwent several rebuilds. In 1870, it suffered heavy damage and was reported ashore on Chantry Island. However, the vessel was salvaged and rebuilt in St. Catharines in 1880, increasing its size to 136 x 25.42 x 12 feet and its gross tonnage to 300 tons. Under different owners, including H. McLennan & Co., Prentiss Roberts & Co., and Sylvester Hadley, the Bruno continued to ply the waters, primarily engaged in transporting goods such as wheat, salt, and coal.
On November 11, 1890, tragedy struck as the Bruno, carrying a load of coal, encountered heavy weather near Magnetic Reef, south of Cockburn Island in Georgian Bay. The vessel, which was also towing the schooner Louisa, struck the reef and foundered. Fortunately, no lives were lost as the crew managed to escape in a lifeboat.
While some sources attribute the loss of the Bruno to a collision, others maintain that it struck the reef due to the adverse weather conditions. The details surrounding the incident remain uncertain. Captain Peters, who was in command of the vessel at the time, and owner George P. Magam faced the devastating loss of their vessel and the coal cargo.
Following the wreck, the Bruno was deemed a total loss. Its final resting place became Marquette Reef, located south of Cockburn Island in Lake Huron. The vessel, once a symbol of maritime commerce, now lay beneath the waves, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes.
The life and wreck of the steambarge Bruno exemplify the challenges faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. From its construction in Montreal to its final journey and tragic demise, the Bruno’s story is a testament to the perseverance of seafarers and the risks they encountered. Let us remember the crew of the Bruno, who escaped the vessel’s sinking, as we reflect on the turbulent history of this remarkable steambarge and its place in maritime lore.
