The steamer Prince Arthur, a paddle wheel vessel, was a significant loss in maritime history. With a gross tonnage of 239 tons and a register tonnage of 169 tons, it was built in 1870 at Sand Point, Ontario. The dimensions of the ship were 160.0 feet in length, 24.7 feet in width, and 7.8 feet in depth. It was proudly owned by the Union Forwarding Company of Ottawa, Ontario.
On June 17, 1877, tragedy struck as the Prince Arthur, while en route from Sand Point to Portage du Fort, Quebec, caught fire at the wharf in Portage du Fort. The blaze quickly consumed the vessel, resulting in its complete destruction. The loss was not only a devastating event but also a substantial financial setback, with the value of the loss estimated at $30,000.
This incident was documented in the Statement of Wreck & Casualty of 1877, compiled by the Department of Marine & Fisheries. The Prince Arthur’s untimely demise serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by steamers during that era. The fire that claimed the vessel highlights the inherent risks associated with wooden ships and the devastating consequences that could result from such accidents.
The Prince Arthur’s presence on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada in 1874 demonstrates its significance in the maritime industry at the time. However, its fate serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by shipowners, operators, and crew members in their pursuit of safe and efficient transportation along Canada’s waterways.
. As of 1982, its remains were still visible.
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