The Maude, a sidewheel vessel, was built in 1871 in Montreal, Quebec. With dimensions of 112 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth, it had a gross tonnage of 269.
Owned by the Ottawa River Navigation Co., the Maude served as a towboat, providing towing services and assisting with various maritime operations. It was constructed by A. Cantin and launched on July 6, 1871.
Before the implementation of standardized tonnage measurement, the Maude had a custom-house measure of 133 tons according to pre-1877 records. This measurement likely reflected its cargo capacity or other relevant criteria.
Tragically, the Maude met its demise in a collision with another vessel named the “Ottawan” on September 27, 1906, near Hudson, Quebec. The collision resulted in the Maude foundering, leading to its sinking. Regrettably, three individuals lost their lives as a result of the collision.
The Maude’s history highlights the risks and dangers associated with maritime operations, particularly in crowded waterways. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety measures to prevent accidents and protect lives at sea.
