Collision of Steamer Hero and Steamer Quinte (Coordinates: 43°56’29.0″N 76°50’43.0″W) #
INCIDENT SUMMARY #
- Date of Incident: Not specified
- Location: Near 43°56’29.0″N, 76°50’43.0″W, close to Kingston, Ontario
- Vessels Involved:
- Steamer Hero
- Steamer Quinte
- Outcome: Collision resulting in damage to the Quinte and the cancellation of its trip.
INCIDENT DESCRIPTION #
The incident involving the steamer Hero and the steamer Quinte occurred on a Thursday morning, as reported by the Gananoque Reporter. The Hero collided with the Quinte, puncturing a hole in the latter’s side. The collision was attributed to the actions of the Quinte‘s officers, who attempted to cross the bow of the Hero in a bid to dock first. The Quinte was carrying approximately 200 excursionists bound for Kingston at the time of the accident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the passengers were able to continue their journey aboard the Hero.
VESSEL BACKGROUNDS #
Steamer Aletha (formerly associated with the Quinte Navigation Co.)
- Build Date: 1901
- Built By: Davis Dry Dock Co., Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Specifications:
- Length: 107.40 feet
- Beam: 19.70 feet
- Depth: 5.50 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 171 tons
- Propulsion: Steam screw engine, 25 horsepower
- Construction: Wooden hull, carvel type with a round stern
- History:
- First registered in Kingston, Ontario, in February 1901.
- Acquired by the Quinte Navigation Co. in 1909.
- Served as a passenger boat on the St. Lawrence and Bay of Quinte, briefly as a Hamilton ferry during World War I.
- The vessel was renovated in 1902 with additional staterooms and electric lighting.
- Laid up in 1916 and closed in 1919 after being broken up.
Steamer Hero
- Build Date: 1878
- Built By: Beauchemin & Fils, Sorel, Quebec, Canada
- Specifications:
- Length: 126.50 feet
- Beam: 29.40 feet
- Depth: 6.80 feet
- Gross Tonnage: Not specified
- Propulsion: Paddlewheels, low-pressure engine, 60 horsepower
- Construction: Wooden hull, carvel type with a round stern
- History:
- First registered in Kingston, Ontario, in June 1884.
- Served as a steamship, likely in passenger and cargo transport.
- The vessel’s registration was closed on June 14, 1901, after being destroyed by fire.
SITE ORIENTATION AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT #
The collision between the Hero and the Quinte took place near the coordinates 43°56’29.0″N 76°50’43.0″W, in an area close to Kingston, Ontario, known for its bustling maritime activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both vessels were engaged in regular service, transporting passengers and cargo across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
The Quinte‘s attempt to cross the bow of the Hero in a race to dock first reflects the competitive nature of maritime operations at the time, where speed and efficiency were paramount. The collision, though unfortunate, did not result in any fatalities, and the quick transfer of passengers to the Hero ensured that the disruption was minimal.
ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL INFORMATION #
- The Aletha was a vessel with a rich history, undergoing several ownership changes and modifications before being laid up and eventually broken up. It served various roles, from passenger transport on the St. Lawrence River to a ferry service during World War I.
- The Hero was a paddlewheel steamer, a common type of vessel during the era, known for its reliability and speed. Despite its eventual destruction by fire, the Hero played a significant role in the region’s maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
-
Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- A database offering detailed records of vessels, including the Aletha and Hero.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
-
Library and Archives Canada
- Provides access to ship registration records and historical documents related to Canadian vessels.
- Library and Archives Canada
-
Wrecksite EU
- A global database for shipwrecks, including historical incidents involving steamers like the Hero and Quinte.
- Wrecksite EU
-
Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Information on Great Lakes vessels, including details on their construction, service, and incidents.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database
