Shipwreck Report: Steam Tug CITY QUEEN

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: CITY QUEEN

•Type: Steam Tug (originally a passenger vessel)

•Year Built: 1900

•Builder: A. L. Nickerson, Midland, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 71 feet

•Beam (Width): 16 feet

•Depth: 5 feet

•Gross Tonnage: 69 tons

•Propulsion: Screw Propulsion, powered by an 8-16×12 engine manufactured by Waterous Engine Works, Brantford, Ontario

•Original Owners: A. L. & C. T. Nickerson

•Later Owners: W. E. Preston Ltd., Midland, Ontario

•Final Location: A quarter mile east of Manitou Dock, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

•Date of Loss: August 27, 1924

•Cause of Loss: Fire

Vessel Type Description

The CITY QUEEN was built as a small passenger vessel, designed to serve the needs of transportation on Georgian Bay. With modest dimensions and a Screw Propulsion system powered by a reliable Waterous engine, the CITY QUEEN was a sturdy and versatile vessel. Its primary role involved ferrying passengers across Georgian Bay, a vital hub of maritime activity in Ontario during the early 20th century. Over time, the Tug transitioned to a steam-powered workboat, underscoring its adaptability to changing demands.

History

The CITY QUEEN was launched in 1900, emerging as a key asset in passenger transportation in the Georgian Bay region. Built by A. L. Nickerson, the vessel represented the innovative maritime engineering of its time, serving both as a symbol of progress and a practical solution to the transportation needs of the region.

Ownership initially rested with A. L. & C. T. Nickerson before transferring to W. E. Preston Ltd. in Midland, Ontario. Under its new ownership, the CITY QUEEN continued its operations on Georgian Bay, becoming a familiar sight for travelers and mariners in the area.

Final Voyage and Tragic Loss

On August 27, 1924, the CITY QUEEN met its untimely demise due to a devastating fire. The incident occurred a quarter mile east of Manitou Dock in Georgian Bay, a location that underscores the vessel’s consistent service in the region. The fire completely destroyed the vessel, leaving little behind to mark its legacy.

The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, as do details concerning potential casualties. Reports suggest that the vessel was engulfed in flames rapidly, with little chance of salvage or recovery. The incident highlights the risks associated with early 20th-century steam-powered vessels, where fire hazards were a constant threat.

Final Disposition

•Condition: The CITY QUEEN was declared a Total Loss following the fire. The vessel’s remains, if any, would be scattered and heavily deteriorated due to the nature of the incident.

•Current Status: No extensive documentation or exploration of the wreck site has been recorded. The fire likely consumed much of the wooden structure, leaving minimal physical evidence.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the CITY QUEEN. The site holds historical significance but does not appear to pose a navigational hazard.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival data on vessels and incidents in the Georgian Bay area.

•Canadian Maritime Heritage: Historical records and accounts of early 20th-century maritime operations.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Repository of information on shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The loss of the CITY QUEEN serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by vessels in the early 20th century. From its construction as a passenger vessel to its transition into a steam-powered Tug, the CITY QUEEN played a vital role in Georgian Bay’s maritime history. Its destruction by fire in 1924 underscores the inherent risks of the era and the importance of preserving the stories of such vessels as part of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage.

Keywords:

#CityQueen #GeorgianBay #GreatLakesShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #SteamTug #LakeHuronWrecks #CanadianVessels