Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: AUGUSTA
- Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Andrews Bros., Port Robinson, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 66 ft (20.1 m); Beam 16 ft (4.9 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 57 tons
- Location: Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Coordinates: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
Description
The AUGUSTA was a wooden propeller steam tug constructed in 1883. It was a modestly sized but essential vessel designed to support maritime operations on the Great Lakes, primarily serving towing and other logistical roles.
History
On December 7, 1909, the AUGUSTA met its end in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, when a fire broke out and completely destroyed the vessel. The fire occurred approximately 200 feet south of Muir’s Drydock, a location central to ship repair and maintenance in the area. The specific cause of the fire and whether there were any casualties remain undocumented.
The loss of the AUGUSTA was a significant blow to the local maritime community, as it highlighted the vulnerabilities of wooden steam tugs to fire. Such incidents were not uncommon, given the use of flammable materials in construction and the risks posed by steam engines.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: December 7, 1909
- Cause of Loss: Fire (details unknown)
- Final Condition: Burned to the waterline
Final Disposition
The vessel’s remains are presumed to be minimal or nonexistent, given the complete destruction by fire and subsequent decades of natural and industrial activity in Port Dalhousie.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the AUGUSTA is not accessible for diving due to its complete destruction by fire. The area may still hold historical significance, but divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods.
Resources & Links
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The story of the AUGUSTA is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early 20th-century steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. Though its history is relatively minor in the broader maritime narrative, it underscores the critical role of tugs like the AUGUSTA and the ever-present dangers they faced. The fire that claimed the vessel highlights the fragility of wooden steam-powered vessels and the risks inherent in their operation, especially in areas of high industrial activity like Port Dalhousie.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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