IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Prince Arthur was a wooden paddle wheel steamer built in 1870 at Sand Point, Ontario. With a length of 160 feet and a beam of nearly 25 feet, the vessel was designed to navigate the waterways of Ontario and Quebec, providing essential transportation services. The vessel was owned by the Union Forwarding Company of Ottawa, Ontario, a company involved in the transport of goods and passengers along the Ottawa River and its tributaries.
HISTORY: #
Launched in 1870, the Prince Arthur quickly became a vital part of the regional transportation network. It played a significant role in moving passengers and cargo between key ports, including Sand Point, Ontario, and Portage du Fort, Quebec. The steamer’s operation under the Union Forwarding Company underscored its importance in the local economy, particularly in the booming timber and trade industries of the time.
The Prince Arthur was a familiar sight along the Ottawa River, known for its reliability and service. However, like many wooden steamers of the era, it was not immune to the risks posed by fire, a constant threat to vessels of this design.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragedy struck the Prince Arthur on June 17, 1877, when a fire broke out while the vessel was docked at the wharf in Portage du Fort, Quebec. The fire rapidly spread throughout the wooden structure, ultimately leading to the vessel’s complete destruction. The loss of the Prince Arthur was significant, with the value of the vessel estimated at $30,000—a substantial sum at the time.
The incident was officially recorded in the Statement of Wreck & Casualty of 1877, compiled by the Department of Marine & Fisheries, marking it as a notable loss in Canadian maritime history.
CURRENT CONDITION & REMAINS: #
As of 1982, the remains of the Prince Arthur were still visible at the coordinates (45.58778208377145, -76.6639198306311), near the site of its destruction. These remnants serve as a physical reminder of the vessel’s tragic end and the dangers faced by steamers of that era.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Prince Arthur wreck have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Statement of Wreck & Casualty of 1877: Official record documenting the loss of the Prince Arthur.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
CONCLUSION: #
The destruction of the Prince Arthur in 1877 was a significant event in the maritime history of Ontario and Quebec. The loss of the vessel not only represented a substantial financial setback but also highlighted the inherent risks of operating wooden steamers. Despite its untimely end, the Prince Arthur remains an important part of the region’s nautical legacy, with its remnants still visible as a testament to the challenges faced by the maritime industry in the 19th century.
KEYWORDS: #
Prince Arthur, Paddle Wheel Steamer, Sand Point Ontario, Union Forwarding Company, Portage du Fort Quebec, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck.
