Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The ALICE BROOKS was a small wooden propeller tugboat designed for towing and rescue operations on the Great Lakes. With a length of 41 feet and a relatively modest gross tonnage of 17 tons, the vessel was well-suited for maneuvering in tight spaces and along shallow coastal areas. Tugs like the ALICE BROOKS played crucial roles in aiding larger vessels, particularly those that found themselves in distress or needed assistance navigating treacherous waters.
History #
The ALICE BROOKS was built in 1882 by Alfred Hackett in Port Elgin, Ontario, for E. Brooks, also of Port Elgin. The vessel was powered by a high-pressure engine with 12 horsepower, built by Corbet & Sons in Owen Sound, Ontario. The tug was registered in Owen Sound, a key location on the Canadian side of Lake Huron, known for its maritime activities.
The ALICE BROOKS quickly became an integral part of the local maritime scene, assisting in towing operations and participating in rescue missions. On December 7, 1885, the vessel was called into action to assist the schooner MARY S. GORDON, which had run aground near the mouth of the Saugeen River on Lake Huron. Unfortunately, during the rescue attempt, the ALICE BROOKS itself ran aground. The tug sustained severe damage to its bottom, which led to it being declared a total loss. Despite the incident, there were no reported casualties.
In the aftermath of the grounding, other tugs in the area, including the JAMES CLARK and EVENING STAR, were able to salvage most of the cargo from the MARY S. GORDON and some of the equipment from the ALICE BROOKS.
Final Disposition #
The ALICE BROOKS was wrecked on December 7, 1885, during a rescue operation near the mouth of the Saugeen River in Lake Huron. The vessel was deemed a total loss due to significant damage sustained to its hull. The registration of the ALICE BROOKS remained active until December 3, 1911, when it was officially closed following the wreck.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the ALICE BROOKS, and it is not known to pose a navigational hazard today.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: There is no detailed information regarding the modern discovery or exploration of the wreck site.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
Due to the historical nature of the wreck and its small size, it is possible that the ALICE BROOKS has deteriorated significantly over time. However, its location near the mouth of the Saugeen River could make it accessible to divers or those interested in exploring the remains of this once-active tug.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
Conclusion #
The ALICE BROOKS serves as a historical example of the vital role small tugs played in the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Although the vessel met an untimely end during a rescue mission, its legacy lives on in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history. The story of the ALICE BROOKS underscores the risks that mariners took to aid others in distress and highlights the challenging conditions faced by vessels operating on these inland seas.
Keywords: #
- ALICE BROOKS
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Shipwreck
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- Propeller Tug
- Great Lakes Rescue Operations
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The ALICE BROOKS is remembered not just for its service but also for its ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.
