IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
Vessel Name: Dagmar (originally named Fairy)
- Year of Build: 1866
- Built at: Montreal, Quebec
- Type: Sidewheel Vessel (Market Boat)
- Hull Materials: Wood
- Number of Decks: 1
- Dimensions: 126 feet in length, 23 feet in beam, 6 feet in depth
- Tonnage (Gross): 405 tons
- Original Owner: Ottawa River Navigation Co.
- Final Location: Como, Quebec
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Dagmar was a wooden sidewheel vessel constructed in 1866 in Montreal, Quebec. Measuring 126 feet in length, with a beam of 23 feet and a depth of 6 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 405 tons. Originally launched as Fairy, the vessel was quickly renamed Dagmar in honor of Queen Victoria’s daughter. The Dagmar was licensed to carry up to 400 passengers by 1886 and served as a market boat on the Ottawa River, stopping at various locations to facilitate trade and transportation.
HISTORY: #
The Dagmar began its service under the ownership of the Ottawa River Navigation Co. in 1867, serving the lower reach of the Ottawa River. As a market boat, it played a vital role in the regional economy, transporting goods and passengers to various destinations along the river.
In 1874, the vessel’s ownership was transferred to the Montreal & Ottawa Forwarding Co., and by 1877, it had changed hands again, becoming the property of the Victoria Park Co. in Toronto, possibly through a charter agreement. During this period, the Dagmar briefly operated between Toronto and Victoria Park, providing transportation services in the bustling port city. However, it eventually returned to Montreal, continuing its service on the Ottawa River.
The Dagmar was a well-known vessel in the region, recognized for its capacity to carry up to 400 passengers. Its operations contributed significantly to the transportation network along the river, supporting both local commerce and the movement of people.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragically, the Dagmar met its end on March 12, 1890, when a devastating fire broke out, leading to the vessel’s complete destruction. The incident occurred in Como, Quebec, marking the final location of the Dagmar before its untimely demise. The exact cause of the fire and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident are not documented in the available records, leaving some details of the tragedy unknown.
The destruction of the Dagmar by fire serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that vessels faced during their operations, particularly in an era when fire safety measures were not as advanced as they are today. The loss of the Dagmar highlights the importance of vigilance and safety protocols in preventing such catastrophic events.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Dagmar 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 sidewheel vessels like the Dagmar and their role in regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Dagmar was a significant vessel in the maritime history of the Ottawa River, serving as a market boat and passenger vessel throughout its operational life. Despite its contributions to regional transportation and commerce, the Dagmar’s history ended in tragedy with its destruction by fire in 1890. The loss of the Dagmar in Como, Quebec, is a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime operations and the need for constant vigilance in ensuring the safety of vessels and their passengers.
KEYWORDS: #
Dagmar, Fairy, Sidewheel Vessel, Montreal Quebec, Ottawa River, Ottawa River Navigation Co., 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, Victoria Park Co., Como Quebec, Maritime Fire.
