The Marie Josephine, constructed in 1891 at Riviere Du Loup, Quebec, had a significant history as a wrecking schooner before meeting its unfortunate end. With dimensions of 88 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, the vessel was initially owned by N. G. Pelletier of Fraserville, Quebec, in 1898.
Powered by a screw propulsion system, the Marie Josephine underwent a rebuild in 1898, resulting in changes to its official number and dimensions. The vessel now measured 88 x 23 feet and had a tonnage of 117 tons.
Equipped with an engine manufactured by Carrier Laîné of Sorel, with specifications of 12-22×18, the Marie Josephine served as a wrecking schooner. It played a vital role in salvaging and recovering wrecks and was involved in rescue operations along the coast.
However, tragedy struck on February 11, 1918, when the Marie Josephine was destroyed by a fire at English Point, located in Anticosti, Quebec. This unfortunate incident led to the vessel’s final location being the site of its demise.
The Marie Josephine’s history as a wrecking schooner and its ultimate fate as a result of the devastating fire serve as a testament to the dangers and challenges faced by vessels involved in salvage operations and maritime rescues.
