Identification & Site Information

•Name: John B. Fraser

•Vessel Type: Wooden Steamship

•Built: 1888 by Alexandre Fraser

•Dimensions:

•Length: 100 feet (30.48 meters)

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Owner:

•Initially: Alexandre Fraser

•Later: Davidson, Hayes, and Company (Toronto)

•Final Voyage Date: November 8, 1893

•Location: Lake Nipissing, near Goose Islands

•Wreck Depth: Resting on the lakebed in shallow waters

Vessel Type Description

The John B. Fraser was a wooden Steamship designed to support the burgeoning logging industry of Northern Ontario in the late 19th century. Serving the Fraser Lumber Company, it transported timber, supplies, and workers across Lake Nipissing, a critical waterway for the local economy. Equipped with a steam engine, it exemplified the sturdy, utilitarian vessels of its era, essential for the transportation of resources in the remote northern landscapes.

History

Era of Steamships on Lake Nipissing

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1881 transformed Lake Nipissing into a critical hub for transporting natural resources. Steamships like the John B. Fraser were indispensable for ferrying logs, workers, and goods to and from timber camps, connecting them to mills and railway lines for further distribution.

Construction and Service

The vessel was built in 1888 by Alexandre Fraser and named after his brother, John Fraser. Initially owned by the Fraser Lumber Company, it played a central role in timber operations, harvesting resources from the McGillivray Lake timber limits. In 1892, the vessel was sold to Davidson, Hayes, and Company, a Toronto-based firm, continuing its service in logging and transportation.

Final Voyage and Disaster

On November 8, 1893, the John B. Fraser embarked on its last journey of the season, carrying around 20 lumberjacks and supplies destined for a hunting camp. Tragedy struck when a fire broke out in the engine room, rapidly engulfing the ship.

•Efforts to Save the Ship: Attempts to stop the engine and extinguish the flames failed due to the extreme heat.

•Survivors and Casualties:

•Crew and passengers Abandoned the burning vessel, plunging into the frigid waters.

•Survivors clung to a nearby scow the ship was towing.

•Casualties ranged from 13 to 19 out of the 17 to 20 people onboard.

The fire consumed the vessel completely, leaving the wreck to sink near Goose Islands.

Final Disposition

The John B. Fraser came to rest on the lakebed near Goose Islands in shallow waters. Despite its destruction, the wreck remains intact and holds significant historical value. Artifacts recovered from the site are preserved in local museums, commemorating the lives lost and the vessel’s contributions to the logging industry.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Status:

The wreck is preserved as a historical site. There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck.

•Advisory:

Divers are advised to respect the site’s historical importance, and permissions may be required for exploration.

Located By & Date

•Discovery:

The wreck was first located in 1972 by the Aqua Jets Diving Club.

•Further Exploration:

Archaeological studies led by Bessel VandenHazel in the 1980s brought renewed attention, culminating in a detailed 200-page book titled The John Fraser Story.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

The wreck is largely intact, resting in shallow waters, and is considered accessible for exploration.

•Artifacts:

Items recovered from the wreck are displayed at the Callander Bay Heritage Museum and the North Bay Museum, preserving its legacy.

•Accessibility:

Divers can visit the site, though access may be regulated to preserve its integrity. Consultation with local heritage organizations is recommended.

Resources & Links

1.The John Fraser Story: Comprehensive study by Bessel VandenHazel.

2.Callander Bay Heritage Museum: Hosts artifacts from the wreck.

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of shipwrecks, including the John B. Fraser.

4.Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of steamships.

5.Gateway North Bay News: Historical accounts of local maritime events.

Conclusion

The fiery demise of the John B. Fraser on November 8, 1893, marked one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Lake Nipissing’s history. Serving as a workhorse for the logging industry, the vessel symbolizes the challenges and risks faced by those navigating Northern Ontario’s waterways during a time of industrial expansion. The wreck site, discovered in 1972, continues to tell the story of this significant era, with artifacts and studies keeping its memory alive for future generations.

Keywords

#JohnBFraser

#LakeNipissingShipwreck

#SteamshipDisaster

#LoggingIndustryHistory

#GreatLakesMaritimeHistory

#ShipwreckArtifacts

#OntarioMaritimeDisasters

GPS Coordinates

Exact coordinates are not specified in available documentation. The wreck is near Goose Islands, Lake Nipissing. Exploration should adhere to local guidelines for accessing historically significant sites.