IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Reliance was a wooden sidewheel steamer originally constructed in 1887 in Sorel, Quebec. Initially measuring 84 feet in length with a beam of 15 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 78 tons. The Reliance was built to serve as a reliable vessel in the region, primarily used for transporting goods and possibly passengers.
In 1894, the vessel underwent a significant rebuild by J. Paul in Sorel, expanding its dimensions to 103 feet in length and 16 feet in beam while maintaining a depth of 5 feet. The rebuild also increased the vessel’s tonnage to 84 tons, allowing it to carry more cargo and enhancing its overall capacity. The vessel was then equipped with an 18×72 engine manufactured by G. Brush of Montreal in 1866, further improving its performance. The Reliance transitioned into a towboat following this rebuild, taking on new roles in the region’s maritime activities.
HISTORY: #
The Reliance began its service under the ownership of I. Marchand from Maskinongé, Quebec, in 1889. The vessel’s ownership changed hands in 1895 when F. S. Johnston from L’Orignal, Ontario, acquired it. The Reliance played a notable role in the local maritime industry, serving as a vital link for transportation and commerce along the Ottawa River.
After its 1894 rebuild, the Reliance was repurposed as a towboat, a role that required greater strength and capacity. This transformation allowed the Reliance to assist other vessels by towing them through challenging waterways, supporting the regional economy by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On August 19, 1896, the Reliance met a tragic end when a fire broke out while it was operating along the Ottawa River. The blaze quickly consumed the wooden vessel, leading to its complete destruction. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the loss of the Reliance was a significant event, marking the end of its service in the region.
The destruction of the Reliance underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels, particularly in an era when fire safety measures were not as advanced as they are today. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by maritime vessels and the importance of proper precautions to prevent such disasters.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Reliance have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of Quebec: Provides records and historical accounts related to vessels operating along the St. Lawrence River and surrounding waterways.
- Ottawa River Archives: For further research into the history of towboats like the Reliance and their role in regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Reliance was a significant vessel in the maritime history of the Ottawa River, evolving from a sidewheel steamer to a towboat over its operational life. Despite its untimely demise in a tragic fire in 1896, the Reliance’s contributions to regional transportation and commerce are remembered as part of the area’s rich maritime heritage. The vessel’s story highlights the risks and challenges faced by vessels of that era and the importance of advancements in safety measures.
KEYWORDS: #
Reliance, Sidewheel Steamer, Towboat, Sorel Quebec, Ottawa River, Maritime Fire, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, F. S. Johnston, Maskinongé Quebec, L’Orignal Ontario.
