The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN: A Tale of Fire and Destruction
In the annals of maritime history, tragic incidents often befall ships that ply the vast waters. The propeller bulk freight ship PORTER CHAMBERLAIN met such a fate. Built in 1874 by A. Kenyon in Marine City, Michigan, this wooden vessel was a vital transport for various cargoes. However, on November 11, 1901, tragedy struck as the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN and its consort, H.J. WEBB, were lost in a devastating fire near Gore Bay, Ontario, in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. In this article, we delve into the details of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN’s loss and its historical context.
Constructed in 1874, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN was a wooden propeller bulk freight ship. It was built by A. Kenyon in Marine City, Michigan. The vessel measured 134 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and had a depth of 11 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 280 tons and a net tonnage of 205 tons. These specifications made it well-suited for transporting various types of cargo, particularly bulk goods.
On November 11, 1901, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN met its tragic end near Gore Bay, Ontario, in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel had initially grounded on a reef off Darch Island. A few days later, disaster struck when a fire broke out on board the ship, rapidly engulfing it in flames. The fire burned the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN to the waterline, leading to its complete destruction. Unfortunately, its consort ship, the H.J. WEBB, suffered the same fate.
Thankfully, there were no reported casualties resulting from the fire aboard the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN. However, the loss of the vessel and its consort ship had significant economic implications. The PORTER CHAMBERLAIN was carrying a valuable cargo of lumber at the time of the fire. The destruction of the vessel resulted in the loss of both the ship and its cargo, leading to financial setbacks for its owner and operator.
At the time of the tragic incident, Captain Schutte served as the master of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN. The ship was managed by W. O. Smith, who oversaw its day-to-day operations. While the exact roles and responsibilities of Captain Schutte and W. O. Smith in the events leading to the loss of the vessel are unknown, they were likely deeply affected by the tragic outcome.
Prior to its loss, the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN underwent major repairs in 1883. These repairs were likely necessary to maintain the seaworthiness and structural integrity of the vessel, ensuring its continued service in the maritime industry. However, despite these repairs, fate had other plans for the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN.
The loss of the propeller bulk freight ship PORTER CHAMBERLAIN stands as a tragic chapter in maritime history. From its construction in 1874 to its fiery demise in 1901, the vessel played a crucial role in transporting various cargoes. However, the grounding and subsequent fire near Gore Bay, Ontario, spelled its doom. Although the exact circumstances leading to the fire remain unknown, the loss of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN, along with its cargo and the consort ship H.J. WEBB, had significant economic repercussions. The tale of the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers and the potential for unforeseen calamities on the high seas.
