IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Marie Josephine was a wooden wrecking schooner constructed in 1891 in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. Initially built for salvage operations, the vessel was designed to recover wrecks and assist in maritime rescue missions along the coast. Measuring 88 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, the Marie Josephine was later rebuilt in 1898, which increased its beam to 23 feet and its tonnage to 117 tons. The rebuild also involved the installation of a screw propulsion system powered by an engine manufactured by Carrier Laîné of Sorel, further enhancing the vessel’s capabilities in its wrecking and salvage operations.
HISTORY: #
The Marie Josephine began its service as a wrecking schooner, playing a crucial role in salvaging and recovering wrecked vessels along the Quebec coast. Owned by N. G. Pelletier of Fraserville, Quebec, in 1898, the schooner was a key asset in maritime rescue operations, providing assistance to ships in distress and recovering valuable cargo from wrecks.
The vessel’s rebuild in 1898 not only altered its physical dimensions but also improved its operational efficiency, allowing it to continue its vital work in the challenging environment of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and surrounding waters. The Marie Josephine was equipped with a screw propulsion system, making it more maneuverable and better suited to the demanding tasks of a wrecking schooner.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragedy struck the Marie Josephine on February 11, 1918, when the vessel was destroyed by a fire at English Point, Anticosti, Quebec. The exact circumstances leading to the fire are not detailed in the available records, but the destruction of the Marie Josephine marked the end of its service as a wrecking schooner. The vessel’s final resting place is at the site of the fire in Anticosti, where it was lost to the flames.
The loss of the Marie Josephine highlights the inherent dangers faced by vessels involved in salvage operations, where the risks of fire, rough seas, and hazardous conditions were constant threats.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Marie Josephine have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Gulf of St. Lawrence: Provides records and historical accounts related to wrecking vessels and salvage operations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- Quebec Historical Archives: For further research into the history of schooners like the Marie Josephine and their role in maritime rescue and salvage operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Marie Josephine was a significant wrecking schooner that played a vital role in maritime salvage operations along the coast of Quebec. From its construction in 1891 to its tragic demise in 1918, the vessel served as a key player in rescuing ships and recovering wrecks in the challenging waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The fire that ultimately destroyed the Marie Josephine at English Point, Anticosti, marked the end of its contributions to maritime safety, but the schooner’s legacy lives on as a testament to the bravery and skill of those involved in salvage operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
KEYWORDS: #
Marie Josephine, Wrecking Schooner, Rivière-du-Loup Quebec, Anticosti Quebec, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, N. G. Pelletier, Carrier Laîné Engine, Salvage Operations, Maritime Rescue.
