IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The British Lion was a wooden tugboat constructed in 1900 in Ottawa, Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 42 tons, the British Lion was relatively small but vital in its role as a tug, assisting with towing operations and maneuvering larger vessels in waterways. Powered by a screw propulsion system and equipped with an engine measuring 12×12, manufactured by Hamilton Bros. in Buffalo in 1876, the tugboat was designed for reliability and strength in its operations.
HISTORY: #
The British Lion began its service shortly after its construction in 1900. Initially owned by H. Easton in Merrickville, Ontario in 1901, the tugboat was part of the bustling maritime activities of the region. Tugboats like the British Lionwere crucial for towing barges, assisting ships in harbors, and ensuring the safe navigation of larger vessels through narrow or congested waterways.
In 1903, ownership of the British Lion was transferred to E. A. Johnson in L’Orignal, Ontario. This change in ownership indicates the continued demand for the vessel’s services, likely involving various towing and assistance operations along the rivers and canals of Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The British Lion met a tragic end on June 11, 1904, when it was wrecked. Unfortunately, the exact location of the wreck and the circumstances surrounding the incident are not detailed in the available historical records. The wreck marked the end of the British Lion‘s service, and the extent of the damage incurred by the tugboat remains unknown.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the British Lion 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 British Lion and their impact on regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The British Lion was a small but significant tugboat that played an essential role in the maritime activities of Ontario during the early 20th century. Despite its relatively short service life, the British Lion was integral in supporting the safe navigation and towing operations necessary for larger vessels in the region. The tragic wreck of the British Lion on June 11, 1904, brought an end to its contributions, but its legacy as a key player in the maritime industry of the time endures.
KEYWORDS: #
British Lion, Tugboat, Ottawa Ontario, Screw-Propelled Vessel, 20th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, towing operations, Merrickville Ontario, L’Orignal Ontario, Hamilton Bros.
