IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
, by a builder named Waters. With a gross tonnage of 40 tons, the vessel was relatively small but robust, designed for towing and assisting other vessels along rivers and canals. The Sir Hector was powered by a screw propulsion system, which used a propeller to maneuver the tugboat through the water efficiently.
HISTORY: #
The Sir Hector began its service in Ottawa shortly after its construction in 1891. Initially, it was owned by J. Heney of Ottawa in 1895, reflecting its role in the bustling maritime activities of the Ottawa region. Tugboats like the Sir Hectorwere essential in towing barges, assisting ships in harbors, and providing other crucial services in waterways where larger vessels required assistance with maneuvering.
In 1901, the Sir Hector came under the ownership of the Ottawa Transportation Co., which retained ownership until at least 1916. The change in ownership indicates that the tugboat continued to be a valuable asset for transportation and logistical operations in the region, serving the needs of various industries and maritime activities.
INCIDENTS: #
On March 6, 1897, the Sir Hector encountered a significant incident when it was rammed and sunk by another vessel named “Hall” near L’Orignal, Ontario. The collision was severe enough to sink the Sir Hector, but efforts were made to raise and salvage the tugboat, indicating its importance and value. The successful raising of the Sir Hector allowed it to return to service, continuing its role as a tugboat in the Ottawa region.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The final disposition of the Sir Hector is recorded as “Retired.” This designation suggests that the vessel was eventually taken out of active service, likely due to factors such as age, wear, changes in demand, or advancements in technology that made continued operation impractical. The retirement of the Sir Hector marks the end of its service life, though the specific details of its final years remain unclear.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Sir Hector 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.
- Ottawa Historical Archives: For further research into the history of tugboats like the Sir Hector and their impact on regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The Sir Hector was a small but significant tugboat that played an essential role in the maritime activities of the Ottawa region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite facing challenges, such as being rammed and sunk in 1897, the vessel was salvaged and continued to serve for many years. Its retirement marks the end of an era for the Sir Hector, but its contributions to the region’s maritime history are a testament to the vital role tugboats played in supporting transportation and commerce along Ontario’s waterways.
KEYWORDS: #
Sir Hector, Tugboat, Ottawa Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, towing operations, Ottawa Transportation Co., J. Heney, L’Orignal Ontario.
