**The Erie Belle: A Tale of Tragedy and Remnants**
The eastern shore of Lake Huron, shrouded in its misty allure, has witnessed numerous stories of triumph and tragedy over the centuries. Among them is the haunting tale of the Erie Belle, a Great Lakes steamship that met its demise in a harrowing explosion in 1883. Today, the rusting remains of its boiler serve as a somber reminder of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
In the fall of 1883, a series of powerful storms pounded the east shore of Lake Huron, creating treacherous conditions for mariners navigating its waters. Among the ships caught in the turmoil was the schooner J. N. Carter, laden with a valuable cargo of timber and bound southward. On November 15, the Carter veered off course, overshooting Kincardine harbor. In an attempt to correct its path, the schooner blew ashore two miles south of the town.
As fate would have it, the Erie Belle, another vessel sailing the Great Lakes, received word of the Carter’s plight and rushed to its rescue. On the morning of November 21, the Erie Belle reached the stranded schooner and attempted to tow it to safety. Despite their best efforts, the Erie Belle’s crew found themselves unable to move the immobile Carter.
In a desperate attempt to aid the stricken schooner, the crew of the Erie Belle attached tow ropes. However, unknown to them, the boiler of the Erie Belle had been tampered with, increasing the risk of disaster. It is believed that the relief valve was wired shut in a misguided effort to produce more steam. As the engine overheated and began to seize, the pressure inside the boiler reached catastrophic levels.
The ensuing explosion was both devastating and deadly. Four crew members lost their lives instantly, while the remaining eight were blown overboard. Miraculously, the crew of the Carter managed to rescue the survivors from the icy waters. The Carter, however, was left to endure the harsh winter, trapped in its frozen position until the arrival of spring, when it was finally freed.
The remains of the Erie Belle were brought closer to the shore and disassembled after the tragic event, with the boiler resting about 20 meters offshore. Subsequent attempts at illegal salvage dragged the boiler to its current resting place, nestled close to the shoreline. Depending on the water level of the lake, the boiler sometimes emerges fully from the water or finds itself partially submerged in shallow depths.
Today, the eerie remnants of the boiler lie on the beach, known as Boiler Beach, located approximately 3 kilometers south of Kincardine’s harbor. The largest visible part of the boiler is the outer casing of the firebox, facing south, while the base of the flue, originally directing smoke and exhaust gases to the ship’s funnel, now lies buried in the sand, pointing north.
The tragic tale of the Erie Belle serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigate the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The rusting boiler, a silent witness to the events of that day, stands as a solemn memorial to the lives lost and the perils endured by the brave souls who ply their trade on these majestic but unforgiving waters.
