BEAVERSTONE 111809

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Other Names

GEORGE W. CUYLER
BEAVERTON

The Tragic Fate of the Tug BEAVERSTONE: Lost in a Storm on Georgian Bay in 1926

The tug Beaverstone, formerly known as GEORGE W. CUYLER and BEAVERTON, met a tragic end in 1926 when it was blown ashore and destroyed by powerful waves during a storm near Bustard Island in Georgian Bay. This incident, blamed on the low water levels caused by the diversion of water from Lake Michigan through the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, highlights the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during that time. Join us as we explore the history of the tug Beaverstone and its final moments on Georgian Bay.

Originally built in 1880 in West Bay City, Michigan, the tug Beaverstone was initially known as George W. Cuyler. It was a wooden vessel, powered by a high-pressure engine and a single propeller. The tug had a length of 69 feet, a beam of 14.6 feet, and a depth of 6 feet. It weighed 46 gross tons and 28 net tons. In 1902, the tug was sold to Canadian owners and renamed Beaverton. Later, it was renamed again, becoming the Beaverstone.

On May 23, 1926 (May 14 is also mentioned), the tug Beaverstone encountered a violent storm while operating near Bustard Island in Georgian Bay, Ontario. The vessel, owned by the C. Beck Manufacturing Co. of Penetanguishene, was not carrying any cargo at the time. Strong winds and large waves caused the tug to be blown ashore, resulting in its destruction.

Local newspapers attributed the loss of the Beaverstone to the low water levels in the area, a consequence of the diversion of water from Lake Michigan through the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal. The ongoing reduction in water levels led to the exposure of numerous shoals, making navigation increasingly hazardous. Efforts to free the tug were unsuccessful, and it ultimately sank in approximately six feet of water. The wreck posed a significant challenge for salvage operations and incurred considerable expenses.

The available records do not provide information regarding the loss of life during the incident. It is unclear whether there were any casualties or survivors among the crew or if the tug was operating with any passengers on board.

The tragic loss of the tug Beaverstone in 1926 serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe storms. The incident highlights the impact of low water levels on safe navigation and the ongoing challenges caused by the diversion of water through the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal. The fate of the Beaverstone adds to the maritime history of Georgian Bay, emphasizing the risks involved in shipping and the need for vigilance in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.