Albert (1867)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Albert was a wooden steamboat constructed in 1867 in Sorel, Quebec, by the shipbuilders D. & J. McCarthy. With dimensions of 105 feet in length, 21 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth, the Albert had a gross tonnage of 195 tons. As an Ottawa River tug, the Albert played a vital role in assisting with various tasks along the river, particularly in towing and maneuvering other vessels.

HISTORY: #

Owned by the prominent Sincennes-McNaughton company, the Albert was an integral part of the maritime operations along the Ottawa River. Tugboats like the Albert were essential in facilitating the safe navigation of the river, which was a crucial waterway for commerce and transportation during the late 19th century. The vessel’s custom-house measure, recorded before 1877, was 104 tons, a standard used for customs and regulatory purposes at the time.

The Albert was built by D. & J. McCarthy, a well-known shipbuilding firm in Sorel, Quebec, which was recognized for constructing durable and reliable vessels. The Albert served effectively as an Ottawa River tug, contributing to the region’s economic activities and playing a key role in the operations of Sincennes-McNaughton.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

Tragically, the Albert met its end on October 7, 1884, when it was engulfed in a devastating fire while situated in the Carillon Canal in Quebec, Canada. The exact cause of the fire and the circumstances leading up to the incident are not detailed in the available historical records. The fire resulted in the destruction of the Albert, marking the end of its service on the Ottawa River.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Albert have been identified.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
• Quebec Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamboats like the Albert and their impact on regional transportation.

CONCLUSION: #

The Albert was a significant steamboat that played an essential role in the maritime history of the Ottawa River during the late 19th century. As a tug operated by the Sincennes-McNaughton company, the Albert was vital in assisting with the navigation and transportation needs of the region. The tragic fire that destroyed the vessel in 1884 marked the end of its contributions to the maritime industry, but the Albert remains a part of the rich history of river navigation in Canada.

KEYWORDS: #

Albert, Steamboat, Sorel Quebec, Ottawa River, Tugboat, Sincennes-McNaughton, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, D. & J. McCarthy, Carillon Canal.