PONTIAC

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Pontiac was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed in 1901 at Arnprior, Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 116 tons, the vessel was a crucial part of the local transportation and commerce network along the Ottawa River and surrounding waterways. Sidewheel steamboats like the Pontiac were integral to the economic activity in the region, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between communities.

HISTORY: #

The Pontiac was owned by McLachlin Bros., a prominent company in the region known for its involvement in the timber and transportation industries. The vessel played a significant role in connecting communities along the waterways, providing essential services for both commercial and passenger transport. Its operations were vital to the local economy, particularly in an era when waterways were the primary means of transportation.

The Pontiac was a familiar sight on the river, serving as a reliable and efficient vessel for various transportation needs. However, like many steamboats of the time, it was vulnerable to the inherent risks associated with wooden construction and steam-powered propulsion.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

Tragedy struck the Pontiac on July 9, 1908, when a devastating fire broke out while the vessel was at Chats Lake. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the fire rapidly consumed the steamboat, leading to its complete destruction in the waters of the lake. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but the incident marked the end of the Pontiac’s service and had significant implications for the local community and transportation network.

The loss of the Pontiac was a considerable blow to the region, highlighting the dangers faced by steamboats during this period. The destruction of the vessel not only represented a financial loss but also disrupted the transportation services that were crucial to the area’s economy.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Pontiac 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 River Maritime Archives: For further research into the region’s maritime history and the role of vessels like the Pontiac.

CONCLUSION: #

The Pontiac’s tragic end in 1908 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with operating wooden steamboats. Despite its relatively short service life, the vessel played a vital role in the region’s transportation network, contributing to the local economy and connecting communities along the waterways. The loss of the Pontiac is an important chapter in the maritime history of the Ottawa River, reflecting both the significance and vulnerability of steamboats during this era.