Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Escort
- Type: Steel or iron-hulled steam tug (registered in U.S.)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Port Dalhousie, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Steel or iron-hulled steam tug (registered in U.S.)
Description
The tug Escort was involved in a tragic incident on November 23, 1907, when it collided with the barge Ben Harrison while racing to claim a tow. The collision occurred in dense darkness, leading to severe damage and the immediate sinking of the vessel.
History
On a dark night, Escort and the tug Golden City were racing toward the barge Ben Harrison to claim a tow. In the dense darkness, Escort collided with the stern of the Ben Harrison, which was being towed by Golden City. The collision caused Escort to sink almost immediately, resulting in the loss of three crew members, while two survived and were rescued by the crew of Golden City.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the barge Ben Harrison on November 23, 1907.
- Three crew members lost their lives; two survived and were rescued.
Final Disposition
The incident is noted under the List of shipwrecks November 23, 1907, confirming that Escort sank after the collision with Ben Harrison, resulting in three fatalities. The tug was captained by Harry Dunlop.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the wreck remains uncertain, and further research is needed to pinpoint it through historical charting and local maritime reports.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”escort-1907″ title=”References & Links”]
The tug Escort sank on November 23, 1907, following a fatal collision while racing for the barge Ben Harrison off Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Three crew were killed, and two survived. The incident reflects economic pressures on tug crews and the hazards of night-time operations. Recovery of crew testimonies, newspaper archives, and marine investigations could offer deeper insight and possibly locate the wreck site.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Vessel Data
- Type: Steel or iron-hulled steam tug (registered in U.S.)
- Incident Date: November 23, 1907
- Location: Near Port Dalhousie, Ontario (Lake Ontario)
Final Voyage & Incident Details
- On a dark night, Escort and the tug Golden City were racing toward the barge Ben Harrison (“Ben”)—likely to claim tow or contract. In dense darkness, Escort collided with the stern of the Ben Harrison barged to Golden City.
- The collision severely damaged Escort, causing her to sink almost immediately.
- Of her five crew, three lost their lives; two survived and were rescued by Golden City‘s crew (Wikipedia).
Source Documentation
- The incident is noted under the List of shipwrecks November 23, 1907, confirming Escort sank after collision with Ben Harrison, with three fatalities (Wikipedia).
- A period publication, Marine News of 1907–1909, describes the tug Escort (Captain Harry Dunlop) and tug Golden City (Captain McCoppen) racing to reach the barge, leading to the fatal collision (Marsh Collection).
Key Issues & Insights
- Human factors: Racing in darkness to pick up a tow suggests risk-taking under commercial pressure—raising safety concerns.
- Fatalities: The loss of three crew members underscores the perilous nature of such operations.
- Survivors & Rescue: Two crew were rescued aboard Golden City, likely providing first-hand accounts.
Research Gaps & Recommended Next Steps
- Exact Location
- Pinpoint via historical charting and local maritime reports near Port Dalhousie.
- Crew & Survivor Records
- Identify crew names and survivors; search Ontario Coroner’s reports and newspapers for crew lists and obituaries (e.g., St. Catharines Standard Nov 1907).
- Tow Operations Documentation
- Investigate barge logs of Ben Harrison and Golden City for ownership, cargo, journey, and insurance coverage.
- Newspaper Accounts
- Archive search in St. Catharines Standard, Toronto Globe, and Hamilton Spectator for accident reporting and follow‑up.
- Coast Guard / Marine Board Reports
- Study official collision inquiry if held under Canadian federal maritime authorities.
- Wreck Survey
- If site known, sonar/magnetometer survey could locate wreckage; coordinate with Parks Canada’s Parks Shipwrecks Program.
Conclusion
The tug Escort sank on November 23, 1907, following a fatal collision while racing for the barge Ben Harrison off Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Three crew were killed, two survived. The incident reflects economic pressures on tug crews and the hazards of night-time operations. Recovery of crew testimonies, newspaper archives, and marine investigations could offer deeper insight and possibly locate the wreck site.
escort-1907 1907-11-23 10:58:00