In the bustling maritime landscape of the 19th century, the tugboat COLUMBUS emerged as a versatile vessel, initially known as the John Owen. Built on March 7, 1874, by the skilled craftsmen at Detroit Dry Dock Company in Detroit, Michigan, the tugboat’s journey would encompass various roles, a name change, and an unforgettable end.
The John Owen, measuring 136.2 feet in length, 25.2 feet in width, and boasting a tonnage of 328.34 gross tons, was originally owned by J.E. Owen of Detroit. Equipped with an impressive screw propulsion system powered by a for-and-aft compound engine, the tugboat stood as a testament to maritime The Remarkable Story of the Tugboat Columbus (1874)engineering of its time. Its 370-horsepower engine, constructed by Christie & McGrath in Detroit, enabled it to navigate with agility and precision.
Over the years, the tugboat underwent repairs and changes in ownership. In 1907, it was rechristened the Columbus and its official identity altered to C117039. The vessel’s new owner, the Ganley Tug Line of Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, recognized its potential as a capable tugboat, emphasizing its crucial role in maritime operations.
Tragedy struck on September 10, 1909, when the Columbus fell victim to a devastating fire. The fire ignited while the vessel was docked at Gargantua Harbor on Lake Superior in Ontario. As the flames consumed the tugboat, a decision was made to cut it loose from the dock, allowing it to drift into the bay. In a poignant twist of fate, the vessel that had once served so diligently now faced a fiery demise, disappearing beneath the waters of Lake Superior.
Remarkably, the top of the Columbus’ engine still protrudes above the water, a solemn reminder of its storied past and its tragic end. While the vessel itself has been lost to the ravages of time and fire, its legacy endures through maritime records and historical accounts.
The tale of the tugboat Columbus, from its construction to its final moments, encapsulates the essence of maritime history—a blend of triumphs and tribulations, human ingenuity and the unforgiving forces of nature. Though its physical presence may have vanished beneath the waves, its memory lives on, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who built, operated, and respected these vessels of the past.
