Identification and Site Information #
History #
The AUGUSTA was a wooden propeller steam tug constructed in 1883 by Andrews Bros. in Port Robinson, Ontario. It was a relatively small vessel, measuring 66 feet in length, 16 feet in beam, and 6 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 57 and a net tonnage of 31. The tug was designed primarily for towing and other maritime support operations on the Great Lakes.
On December 7, 1909, the AUGUSTA met a tragic end when it caught fire and was completely destroyed at Port Dalhousie, Ontario. The incident occurred approximately 200 feet south of Muir’s Drydock. Unfortunately, the specific details regarding the cause of the fire, as well as any casualties, are not well-documented.
The loss of the AUGUSTA was a significant event for the local maritime community, as it underscored the ever-present dangers of fire aboard wooden vessels, especially in an era when steam-powered tugs were crucial for the operation of Great Lakes shipping.
Analysis #
The AUGUSTA represents a typical steam tug of its time, a critical workhorse of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Its loss to fire highlights the vulnerability of wooden steam vessels to onboard blazes, a common hazard in the early 20th century. The proximity to Muir’s Drydock suggests that the tug was likely undergoing maintenance or repairs when the fire broke out, but without more detailed records, the exact circumstances remain speculative.
Resources & Links #
Tags #
- Vessel Type: Steam Tug
- Location: Lake Ontario, Port Dalhousie
- Loss Type: Fire
- Historical Significance: Maritime History
- Construction: Wooden Hull
The AUGUSTA‘s story, though incomplete, is a small yet poignant chapter in the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping, reminding us of the perils faced by early steam-powered vessels.
