IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The P.M. Campbell was a wooden propeller tug, a type of vessel commonly used for towing and maneuvering other vessels, particularly in harbors or confined waters. These tugs were crucial in the lumber industry for moving rafts of logs and assisting larger ships. The P.M. Campbell was likely employed in these roles by the Collins Inlet Lumber Co., operating in the waters of Georgian Bay.
HISTORY:
The P.M. Campbell served as a propeller tug under the ownership of the Collins Inlet Lumber Co. and was commanded by Captain Casselman, a seasoned mariner known for his dedication and skill. The vessel was integral to the lumber operations on Manitoulin Island, navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of Georgian Bay.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
In the early hours of September 11, 1908, while docked at Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island, the P.M. Campbell was consumed by a devastating fire. As the flames rapidly spread, Captain Casselman, demonstrating remarkable bravery, decided not to abandon his ship. Instead, he piloted the burning vessel into deeper waters, away from the dock, to prevent the fire from spreading and causing further damage.
Recognizing the dire situation, Captain Casselman ordered the vessel to be scuttled—intentionally sunk—in an effort to save its valuable machinery. His quick thinking ensured that the vital components of the tug, such as the engine, would be preserved, despite the loss of the vessel.
The charred remnants of the P.M. Campbell were later salvaged and moved to a final resting place just off Chicken Island in Collins Inlet, where the remains were scuttled for good. The vessel’s end was marked by both tragedy and the heroic efforts of its captain.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the P.M. Campbell.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The wreck of the P.M. Campbell has not been widely documented with precise coordinates, but its final resting place is known to be off Chicken Island in Collins Inlet, Georgian Bay.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
P.M. Campbell, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Great Lakes shipwreck, tugboat, Captain Casselman, Collins Inlet Lumber Co., maritime history.
CONCLUSION
The fiery end of the P.M. Campbell is a story of courage and quick thinking in the face of disaster. Captain Casselman’s actions on that fateful day reflect the determination and bravery that were often required of those who worked on the Great Lakes. The P.M. Campbell’s legacy lives on, not only in the waters off Chicken Island but also in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, where the vessel’s tragic end and the heroic efforts of its captain are remembered and honored.
