Construction and Early Service
The Canada, a wooden sidewheel tugboat, was built in 1852 in St. Antoine de Tilly, Quebec. With a length of approximately 108 feet and a beam of 18 feet, the vessel was designed for towing duties in the bustling waters of the Great Lakes and nearby rivers. The tug, weighing around 59 tons, was an essential tool for moving larger vessels, such as schooners and barges, through the often narrow and challenging channels of the region.
The Canada, also known as Canada No. 2 and Young Canada, had a dynamic history marked by several ownership changes, rebuilds, and incidents. Initially serving under Canadian ownership, the tugboat played a crucial role in the local maritime industry before transitioning to American ownership after a significant event in 1855.
Significant Incidents and Ownership Changes
In October 1855, the Canada suffered a devastating fire while docked on the St. Clair River. The damage from the fire was extensive, leading to the vessel being sold to American interests and eventually rebuilt in Detroit in 1856. Following its reconstruction, the tug resumed service, now operating out of Bay City by 1864.
The Canada faced numerous challenges during its operational life. In 1862, it collided with the tug Winslow in the St. Clair River. The collision caused considerable damage to the Canada, while the Winslow sustained only minor damage. Despite this setback, the Canada continued to serve as a reliable towing vessel on the Great Lakes.
Final Voyage and Tragic Sinking
On November 28, 1865, the Canada met its tragic end during a severe storm near Bar Point on Lake Erie. The tug was attempting to tow a schooner and a barge into the Detroit River when it struck bottom near Bar Point. The heavy seas quickly overwhelmed the vessel, causing the wooden sidewheel tug to break up. The exact details of any loss of life or the cargo being towed at the time are not fully documented.
Captain D. Miesel, the master and owner of the Canada at the time, found himself in a dire situation as the vessel broke apart. Fortunately, the Hackett brothers, local tugmen from Malden, Ontario, bravely came to the crew’s rescue, using their tug, Zouave, to save the lives of those on board the Canada, despite the perilous conditions.
The wreck of the Canada was not entirely forgotten after the storm. The vessel’s machinery was eventually recovered in 1875, ten years after it sank. The wreck itself lay in shallow water, with only five feet of water covering it, making it a potential hazard to other vessels navigating the area.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Canada’s story is a testament to the resilience of maritime vessels during the 19th century and the challenges they faced on the Great Lakes. From its construction in Quebec to its final days under American ownership, the tug played a significant role in the transportation and towing industries of the region.
The loss of the Canada near Bar Point is one of many such tragedies in the area, which has claimed numerous vessels over the years, including the schooner Guerriere (1832), steamers Erie and Daniel Webster (1839), and the schooner W.S. Lyons (1869). These incidents highlight the treacherous conditions that could arise unexpectedly, posing a constant threat to even the most experienced mariners.
Today, the Canada’s story serves as a reminder of the perilous nature of maritime travel during this era and the bravery of those who navigated these waters. The vessel’s machinery, recovered years after its sinking, and the accounts of its final moments contribute to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
Keywords
Canada, Canada No. 2, Young Canada, sidewheel tug, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Bar Point, St. Antoine de Tilly, St. Clair River, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the Canada may reveal additional details about its construction, service history, and any surviving documentation related to its final voyage and subsequent recovery efforts. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the Canada is integrated into its historical narrative.
