IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Lady Minto was a robust steel steamer with two decks, built to serve the demanding needs of log transportation on the Ottawa River. Powered by a sidewheel propulsion system, the vessel featured an inclined compound engine with two cylinders, capable of delivering substantial power for its time. The engine and boilers, both products of Bertram Engine Works, contributed to the vessel’s reliability and performance in towing logs through the waterways.
HISTORY: #
Constructed in 1903 in Temiscaminque, Quebec, the Lady Minto was a significant asset for the Upper Ottawa Improvement Co., playing a crucial role in the transportation of logs between Notre-Dame-du-Nord and the Narrows. The vessel was integral to the logging industry in the region, facilitating the movement of timber through the river systems. In 1928, the Lady Minto underwent a major rebuilding project, extending its service life and ensuring its continued operation in the demanding logging industry.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On a fateful day in 1968, the Lady Minto’s service came to a tragic end when it was consumed by fire. The vessel’s charred remains were subsequently scuttled in the Narrows, where they were repurposed as an anchor for a log boom. This marked the end of the Lady Minto’s active service, but its remains continue to play a role in the logging industry, albeit in a different capacity.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners are currently associated with the Lady Minto wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery: The wreck remains where it was originally scuttled in 1968, now used as an anchor for a log boom.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
PICTURES: #
(Include historical photos of the Lady Minto, images of the vessel during its service, and any underwater photos of the wreck site, if available.)
KEYWORDS: #
Lady Minto, steamer, Upper Ottawa Improvement Co., logging, Ottawa River, sidewheel propulsion, Narrows, Notre-Dame-du-Nord, shipwreck.
CONCLUSION: #
The Lady Minto represents a vital piece of Canada’s maritime history, particularly in the context of the logging industry on the Ottawa River. Its robust construction and long service life are a testament to the engineering and industrial capabilities of the early 20th century. Despite its fiery end, the Lady Minto’s remains continue to contribute to the logging operations in the region, serving as a submerged anchor for a log boom. This steamer’s legacy is preserved both in the memories of those who relied on its services and in the waters where it now rests.
