MAUDE

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  • Vessel Name: Maude
  • Year of Build: 1871
  • Built at: Montreal, Quebec
  • Type: Sidewheel Towboat
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Dimensions: 112 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, 7 feet in depth
  • Tonnage (Gross): 269 tons
  • Custom-House Measure: 133 tons (pre-1877 records)
  • Owner: Ottawa River Navigation Co.
  • Builder: A. Cantin
  • Launch Date: July 6, 1871

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Maude was a wooden sidewheel towboat constructed in 1871 in Montreal, Quebec. Measuring 112 feet in length, with a beam of 22 feet and a depth of 7 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 269 tons. As a towboat, the Maude was primarily tasked with towing other vessels and assisting in various maritime operations along the Ottawa River and surrounding waterways. The vessel was constructed by A. Cantin, a noted shipbuilder, and was launched on July 6, 1871. Before standardized tonnage measurement was implemented, the Maude had a custom-house measure of 133 tons, a figure used for regulatory and customs purposes at the time.

HISTORY: #

The Maude served under the ownership of the Ottawa River Navigation Co., providing essential towing services in the region. Towboats like the Maude were crucial for navigating the busy and sometimes treacherous waterways, helping larger vessels reach their destinations safely. The Maude was an important part of the maritime infrastructure, contributing to the flow of commerce and transportation along the Ottawa River.

The vessel’s custom-house measure of 133 tons, recorded before 1877, likely reflected its cargo capacity or other significant operational criteria used during that period. This figure highlights the historical methods of measurement that were later standardized to provide more consistent data for ships.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

Tragically, the Maude met its end in a fatal collision with another vessel, the Ottawan, on September 27, 1906, near Hudson, Quebec. The collision was severe enough to cause the Maude to founder, leading to its sinking. The incident was further marred by the loss of three lives, underscoring the dangers associated with maritime operations, especially in crowded or challenging waters.

The sinking of the Maude serves as a somber reminder of the risks that vessels and their crews faced on the water. The collision and subsequent loss of the vessel highlight the importance of vigilance, proper navigation, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Maude 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 sidewheel towboats like the Maude and their role in regional maritime operations.

CONCLUSION: #

The Maude was a significant sidewheel towboat that played a vital role in supporting maritime operations along the Ottawa River. Despite its valuable service, the vessel’s history ended in tragedy with its sinking following a collision with the Ottawan in 1906. The loss of the Maude and the lives of three individuals serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers of life at sea and the critical importance of maritime safety.

KEYWORDS: #

Maude, Sidewheel Towboat, Montreal Quebec, Ottawa River, Ottawa River Navigation Co., 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, A. Cantin, Hudson Quebec, Maritime Collision, Ottawan.