IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Ste. Anne was a wooden tugboat constructed in 1875 in Montreal, Quebec. Initially measuring 55 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and 6 feet in depth, the tugboat was built to assist in various maritime tasks, providing crucial support to other vessels in navigating the waterways. Equipped with a screw propulsion system, the Ste. Anne was designed for efficient maneuverability, a key feature for tugboats required to perform precise operations.
HISTORY: #
Upon its completion in 1875, the Ste. Anne was owned by S. Auger and served as a tugboat in the region, playing an essential role in the maritime operations of Montreal and surrounding areas. Tugboats like the Ste. Anne were indispensable for towing ships, guiding them through narrow passages, and assisting in docking maneuvers.
In 1881, the Ste. Anne underwent a significant rebuild, which altered its dimensions and official registration. After the rebuild, the vessel measured 72 feet in length and had a tonnage of 25 tons. The reason for the rebuild and the specific modifications made to the vessel remain undocumented, but such alterations typically aimed to improve performance, extend the vessel’s operational life, or adapt it to new roles.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragically, the Ste. Anne met its end when it was engulfed in flames near Hudson, Quebec. The exact date of the fire and the circumstances leading up to the incident are not recorded in the available historical records. The loss of the Ste. Anneremains shrouded in uncertainty, with few details about the event or the aftermath available.
The destruction of the Ste. Anne by fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vessels, particularly wooden ones, in the era before modern fire suppression systems and safety protocols were in place. The incident underscores the risks associated with operating on the waterways, where accidents and unexpected disasters were all too common.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Ste. Anne have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of Quebec: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels and maritime activities in Quebec.
- Montreal Archives: For further research into the history of tugboats like the Ste. Anne and their impact on regional maritime operations.
CONCLUSION: #
The Ste. Anne was a valuable tugboat that served the waterways of Quebec for several years before its untimely demise by fire. Although the specifics of its rebuild and the details surrounding its destruction remain unclear, the vessel’s history reflects the critical role that tugboats played in supporting maritime operations during the late 19th century. The loss of the Ste. Anne near Hudson, Quebec, adds to the long list of maritime tragedies that highlight the inherent risks of life on the water.
KEYWORDS: #
Ste. Anne, Tugboat, Montreal Quebec, Hudson Quebec, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, S. Auger, Maritime Operations, Fire at Sea.
GLOSSARIES: #
- Tugboat: A small, powerful boat used for towing or pushing larger ships and barges, often essential in harbors, rivers, and canals.
- Screw Propulsion: A type of propulsion system where the vessel is powered by a screw propeller, providing improved maneuverability and efficiency.
