Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dauntless
- Type: Towboat
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Point Levi, Quebec
- Dimensions: Length: 82 ft (25 m); Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 81 tons
- Location: Off Oswego, New York
- Official Number: 64967
- Original Owners: M. Macnamara, W. Shaw, Canadian Forwarding & Export Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type Description
The Dauntless was a wooden screw-propelled towboat constructed at Point Levi, Quebec, in 1871. Measuring 82 feet in length and 18 feet in beam, the vessel was relatively small but well-suited for towing operations. Its primary role was to assist with the movement of larger vessels and goods, primarily operating below Montreal in the St. Lawrence River region.
Description
The Dauntless had a varied career, serving multiple owners over its lifetime:
- 1877-1886: Owned by M. Macnamara of Quebec.
- 1895: Owned by W. Shaw, also of Quebec.
- 1901: Acquired by the Canadian Forwarding & Export Co. of Montreal, reflecting its continued utility in commercial operations.
History
Notable Incidents
- August 11, 1879: A boiler explosion in Montreal resulted in one fatality, marking a significant event in the vessel’s operational history.
- November 13, 1886: The vessel suffered damage in a collision near Crane Island in the St. Lawrence River, though it was repaired and returned to service.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition
The Dauntless met its end on April 29, 1905, when it wrecked off Oswego, New York, during a storm. The vessel was destroyed after breaking up in the severe weather. Salvage operations were delayed as the wrecking crew awaited calmer seas. Ultimately, the ship was declared a total loss, marking the end of its decades-long service.
Final Disposition
Notices & Advisories
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Dauntless wreck site. The precise location of the wreck has not been documented in recent times.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Dauntless exemplifies the hardworking towboats that played a critical role in facilitating commerce and navigation along the St. Lawrence River and beyond. Despite its small size, the vessel’s nearly 35-year career highlights its resilience and importance to the shipping industry. Its final wreck in 1905, compounded by earlier incidents such as the 1879 boiler explosion and 1886 collision, underscores the inherent risks of maritime operations during this period. The Dauntless remains a testament to the engineering and challenges of the late 19th and early 20th centuries on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
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