The Dauntless, a sidewheel steamer, was built in 1885 at Pembroke, Ontario. It had a length of 150 feet, a beam of 42 feet, and a depth of 8 feet. With a gross tonnage of 342, it was originally owned by the Upper Ottawa Towing Co. based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Constructed by P. Lamothe, the Dauntless was equipped with a 32×96 engine manufactured by G. Brush in Montreal. Interestingly, the engine was repurposed from another vessel named “John Egan” and later transferred to the “G. B. Greene”. The Dauntless served as a towboat, involved in the transportation of cargo along the waterways.
Tragically, on May 11, 1894, a devastating fire broke out aboard the Dauntless near Allumette Island, Quebec, while it was en route from Fort William to the Allumette Rapids. The fire rapidly engulfed the vessel, leading to its destruction. It sank in the waters near Allumette Island, marking the end of its service.
The loss of the Dauntless was a significant event, resulting in the removal of a valuable vessel from the Upper Ottawa River transportation network. The fire’s cause and the extent of the damage were unfortunate reminders of the risks faced by steamers in carrying out their duties. The sinking of the Dauntless served as a sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers involved in navigating the waterways of the region during that era.
