JOHN B. FRASER C94627

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The John B. Fraser was a wooden steamship designed primarily for the transportation of timber and loggers across Lake Nipissing. Built by Alexandre Fraser in 1888, this 100-foot-long vessel served the Fraser Lumber Company, playing a crucial role in harvesting timber from the McGillivray Lake timber limits. Equipped with a steam engine, the ship was a vital asset in the booming logging industry of the late 19th century. It exemplified the type of steam-driven vessels that facilitated trade and resource exploitation in the remote regions of Northern Ontario.

HISTORY:

The steamship era on Lake Nipissing began in the late 19th century with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which reached the lake’s shores in 1881. Steamships quickly became essential for transporting natural resources, including timber, to local mills and railway junctions. The John B. Fraser, built in 1888, was one such vessel, named after John Fraser, the brother of its builder, Alexandre Fraser. The ship was initially employed in Fraser’s timber operations but was sold to Davidson, Hayes, and Company in 1892.

The John B. Fraser was used extensively for transporting supplies, workers, and timber across Lake Nipissing. However, its service came to a tragic end on November 8, 1893. On its final voyage of the season, while transporting around 20 lumberjacks and supplies to a hunting camp, the vessel caught fire in the middle of the lake. The fire started in the engine room, quickly spreading and engulfing the ship in flames. Despite attempts to stop the engine and save the vessel, the extreme heat made it impossible for the crew to control the blaze.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

The intensity of the fire forced the crew and passengers to abandon the ship, jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Nipissing. While some survivors managed to reach a scow that the ship was towing, most of those onboard perished in the tragedy. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 13 to 19 out of the 17 to 20 people reported to be on board.

The wreck of the John B. Fraser eventually came to rest on the lakebed near Goose Islands. It was discovered in 1972 by the Aqua Jets Diving Club, but the wreck was left undisturbed due to a lack of resources. Later examinations by archaeologist Bessel VandenHazel brought more attention to the site, and artifacts from the wreck are now displayed at the Callander Bay Heritage Museum and the North Bay Museum.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:

• None applicable: The wreck has been identified and is preserved as a historic site. Divers are advised to exercise caution when exploring the area due to its historical significance.

LOCATED BY & DATE:

• The wreck was discovered by the Aqua Jets Diving Club in 1972 and further explored by archaeologist Bessel VandenHazel.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:

• Current Condition: The wreck is largely intact and lies in shallow waters, making it accessible to divers. Some artifacts have been recovered and are on display in local museums.
• Accessibility: The wreck can be visited by divers, but access may be restricted to preserve the site’s integrity. Proper permissions may be required for exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• References:
  • Great Lakes Ships
  • Gateway North Bay News
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File
  • Wikipedia
  • Past Forward Heritage Plaque

CONCLUSION:

The John B. Fraser remains one of the most tragic maritime disasters in the history of Lake Nipissing. Its fiery demise in 1893 marked the end of a significant chapter in the lake’s steamship era. The wreck, discovered in 1972, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated these waters during a time of rapid industrial growth. The ship’s history is preserved not only in the waters of Lake Nipissing but also in the artifacts displayed in local museums, where the memory of those lost continues to be honored.

KEYWORDS: John B. Fraser, Lake Nipissing, steamship, 1893, maritime disaster, shipwreck, logging industry, Canadian Pacific Railway, Ontario maritime history, ship fire, historical shipwrecks