IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The ADVANCE was a compact wooden tugboat, built for towing and general maritime assistance on the Great Lakes. The vessel featured a carvel-built hull, where planks were laid flush, providing a smooth outer surface, ideal for small, sturdy workboats. Powered by a single screw and a modest 20-horsepower engine, the ADVANCE was a typical utility vessel of its era, supporting various shipping and transport operations.
HISTORY: The ADVANCE was constructed in 1886 in Windsor, Ontario, by William Bertman. Originally designed as a tugboat, the vessel served in various towing capacities on Lake Huron. The propulsion system was powered by an upright 10 x 8-inch engine, originally built in 1865 by Shepard Iron Works in Buffalo, New York. Despite its relatively low horsepower, the ADVANCE was a reliable workhorse in the maritime community, especially in towing operations.
Over its operational lifetime, the ADVANCE changed ownership multiple times. In 1897, it was owned by W. Holder of Windsor, Ontario. By 1903, ownership had passed to William A. Kennedy, who was based on Manitoulin Island, reflecting the vessel’s ongoing utility in regional maritime activities.
However, the ADVANCE‘s service was tragically cut short on October 25, 1903. While en route between Spanish River and Sault Ste. Marie, the tugboat caught fire and was completely engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it was ultimately towed to Sault Ste. Marie while still ablaze, resulting in a total loss. The fire marked the end of the ADVANCE‘s operational life, and the tug was subsequently dropped from the Canadian List of Shipping between 1923 and 1933.
The ultimate disposition of the wreck remains unknown, as there are no detailed records of what happened to the ADVANCE following its destruction.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The ADVANCE was completely destroyed by fire on October 25, 1903, between Spanish River and Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Huron. The tug was towed to Sault Ste. Marie while still on fire, resulting in a total loss. The exact resting place of the vessel is not documented, and no significant remains are likely to exist.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically associated with the wreck of the ADVANCE.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck site of the ADVANCE has not been specifically located, and no documented recovery or exploration efforts have been reported.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: Due to the total destruction by fire, the remains of the ADVANCE are likely minimal. The location of the wreck is not documented, and it is not considered a site of interest for diving or exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: ADVANCE, Tugboat, Towboat, Windsor, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Wooden Tug, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Sault Ste. Marie
CONCLUSION: The ADVANCE was a representative tugboat of its time, playing a crucial role in the towing and transport operations on Lake Huron. Its sudden end by fire is a stark reminder of the hazards faced by vessels of this era. Though small in size, the ADVANCE contributed to the bustling maritime activity of the Great Lakes, and its loss adds another chapter to the storied history of these waters.
