The Fiery End of P.M. Campbell: A Heroic Captain’s Final Effort #
The Propeller Tug Consumed by Flames, its Captain’s Courageous Act, and a Scuttled Remnant
In the early morning of September 11, 1908, tragedy struck the propeller tug P.M. Campbell at Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. This wooden vessel, measuring 72 feet in length, 14 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth, met its demise in a devastating fire that engulfed the vessel while it was docked.
Owned by the Collins Inlet Lumber Co. and masterfully commanded by Captain Casselman, the P.M. Campbell found itself in a desperate situation. As the flames threatened to consume the entire vessel, Captain Casselman made a courageous decision. Refusing to abandon his ship, he skillfully navigated the burning tug to deeper waters, away from the dock.
Once in a safer location, Captain Casselman ordered the scuttling of the P.M. Campbell. By intentionally sinking the vessel, he aimed to save its valuable machinery from the ravages of the fire. This act of self-sacrifice and quick thinking ensured that the vital components of the tug would survive.
However, the story of the P.M. Campbell did not end there. The charred remains of the hull were later salvaged and relocated just off Chicken Island in Collins Inlet, Georgian Bay. There, the remnants of the once-proud propeller tug found their final resting place as they were scuttled for good.
The P.M. Campbell, despite its tragic fate, stands as a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of its captain. Captain Casselman’s unwavering determination to protect his vessel’s machinery and prevent further damage showcases the heroic efforts of those who faced peril on the Great Lakes.
Though the P.M. Campbell may have been lost to the flames, the memory of its valiant captain and the story of its fiery end continue to inspire awe and admiration for the individuals who navigate the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
