M. LALONDE, also known as LALONDE river barge (C 74203) during the years 1879-1881. This remarkable vessel was built by Jules ? at Coteau Landing Quebec in 1875, leaving a lasting mark on the maritime landscape of the era. With dimensions measuring 131 feet and a tonnage of 340 tons gross and 250.15 tons register, M. LALONDE stood as a formidable presence on the waters.
Notably, this river barge possessed a unique design, lacking masts and featuring a distinctive round stern. Its first owner in 1877 was L. Lalonde of Coteau Landing, highlighting the connection between the vessel and its origins. As we piece together the information found in various entries in the British Whig, a captivating narrative of M. LALONDE’s journey begins to unfold.
In 1879, the barge was chartered by the Montreal Transportation Co., marking a significant milestone in its history. It is believed that the company may have acquired ownership of M. LALONDE in the fall of 1880. During this time, the vessel found itself involved in the infamous incident of 1880, known as the BOHEMIAN incident. The collision of the steamer with the lock gate resulted in the draining of the basin above Lock Two in the Lachine Canal. M. LALONDE, along with four other Montreal Transportation Co. barges, experienced the consequences of the incident, with her hold filling up to a depth of 4 feet, leading to the loss of 3,000 bushels of cargo.
By 1884, the barge came under the ownership of Paradis of Montreal, further solidifying its place in the annals of maritime history. However, tragedy struck in the same year when M. LALONDE foundered on Lake Ontario, marking a solemn end to its seafaring days. The vessel’s registry was officially closed on April 2, 1887, signifying the conclusion of its remarkable journey.
