IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Cantin was a wooden screw-propelled tugboat constructed in 1875 in Montreal, Quebec. With dimensions of 96 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 75 tons. As a tugboat, the Cantin was instrumental in towing and assisting other vessels navigating the Ottawa River, playing a critical role in maintaining the flow of commerce and transportation in the region.
HISTORY: #
The Cantin was owned by J. B. Blanchard of Montreal in 1877 and operated primarily as a tugboat on the Ottawa River. Tugboats like the Cantin were essential for guiding larger ships through narrow or difficult passages, assisting with docking procedures, and towing barges or other vessels that required additional support.
The Cantin’s service on the Ottawa River made it a vital part of the regional maritime infrastructure, contributing to the safe and efficient movement of goods and vessels along the waterway.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On September 19, 1878, tragedy struck the Cantin when a fire broke out aboard the vessel. The fire rapidly consumed the Cantin, leading to its complete destruction. The incident occurred at Île Perrot, Quebec, marking the final location of the tugboat before it was reduced to ashes.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are not detailed in the available records. However, the loss of the Cantin serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by maritime vessels, particularly wooden ones, in an era when fire safety measures were limited.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Cantin have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Ottawa River: Provides records and historical accounts related to vessels operating along the Ottawa River and its tributaries.
- Montreal Archives: For further research into the history of tugboats like the Cantin and their role in regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Cantin was a crucial tugboat serving the Ottawa River, providing essential towing services that supported the region’s maritime operations. Despite its valuable contributions, the vessel’s history ended tragically with its destruction by fire in 1878 at Île Perrot, Quebec. The loss of the Cantin highlights the risks inherent in maritime operations and the importance of implementing effective safety measures to protect vessels and their crews from such disasters.
KEYWORDS: #
Cantin, Screw-Propelled Tugboat, Montreal Quebec, Ottawa River, J. B. Blanchard, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, Île Perrot Quebec, Maritime Fire.
