IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The M. 16. D. is presumed to have been a tugboat, though specific details about its construction and dimensions are not available in the historical records. Tugboats were integral to maritime operations during the 19th century, often assisting larger vessels with navigation, towing, and maneuvering in challenging waters.
HISTORY: #
The M. 16. D. likely served as a tugboat in the region, playing a crucial role in the transportation and shipping industry of its time. Tugboats were vital for towing other vessels and performing various support roles in busy waterways. Unfortunately, the specific operational history and ownership of the M. 16. D. remain unclear due to the limited information available.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The M. 16. D. met its tragic end in August 1878, when it burned at the same location as the vessel Lincoln. The incident was recorded in the 1878 Sessional Papers, indicating that both vessels were destroyed by the fire. The exact cause of the fire and the precise location of the incident are not detailed in the records, but the loss of the M. 16. D. along with the Lincoln suggests a significant and destructive event.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the M. 16. D. wreck 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 M. 16. D. and their role in regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The M. 16. D. is a vessel shrouded in mystery, with limited details available about its history and service. Presumed to be a tugboat, it played a role in the maritime activities of the late 19th century before meeting its end in a fire in August 1878, alongside the Lincoln. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vessels during this period, particularly the dangers posed by fires, which could quickly devastate wooden ships. Despite the lack of detailed information, the M. 16. D. remains a part of the maritime history of Ontario, contributing to the broader narrative of shipping and transportation during this era.
KEYWORDS: #
M. 16. D., Tugboat, 19th-century maritime history, Sessional Papers, fire, Lincoln.
