Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Douglas
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: G. N. Garner, Thorold, Ontario
- Dimensions: 57 ft (17.4 m) length × 15 ft (4.6 m) beam × 6 ft (1.8 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 42 GRT
- Location: Colpoy’s Bay, Ontario, Lake Huron
- Official Number: C75644
- Original Owners: Not specified in available records
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller tug
Description
The George Douglas was a wooden propeller tug constructed in 1880 by G. N. Garner in Thorold, Ontario. Measuring 57 feet (17.4 meters) in length with a beam of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and a depth of 6 feet (1.8 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 42 and a net tonnage of 18. Designed for towing and general utility work, the vessel operated primarily in the waters of Lake Huron.
History
Throughout her 13-year service life, the George Douglas functioned as a utility tug, likely engaged in towing operations and general support tasks along the Lake Huron coastline. On November 18, 1893, while returning from Lion’s Head to Owen Sound, Ontario, the vessel caught fire under circumstances that remain unclear. The incident occurred in Colpoy’s Bay, a sheltered inlet on the Bruce Peninsula. Despite the sudden outbreak of fire, the crew managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. The vessel, however, was consumed by the flames and declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- November 18, 1893: The George Douglas caught fire in Colpoy’s Bay, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
The George Douglas was destroyed by fire in Colpoy’s Bay on November 18, 1893, and was considered a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the George Douglas has been located.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-douglas-c-75644″ title=”References & Links”]
The George Douglas serves as a historical example of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Despite the lack of detailed records about her service and the circumstances of her loss, the incident underscores the hazards of maritime operations during that era, particularly the threat of onboard fires.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Douglas (also recorded as George Douglass)
- Official Number: C75644
- Date Built: 1880
- Builder: G. N. Garner, Thorold, Ontario
- Dimensions: 57 ft (17.4 m) length × 15 ft (4.6 m) beam × 6 ft (1.8 m) depth
- Gross Tonnage: 42 GRT
- Net Tonnage: 18 NRT
- Date Lost: November 18, 1893
- Place of Loss: Colpoy’s Bay, Ontario, Lake Huron
- Cause of Loss: Fire of unknown origin
- Cargo: None
- Crew: No casualties reported
- Ownership: Not specified in available records(mpl.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, facebook.com)
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller tug
Description
The George Douglas was a wooden propeller tug constructed in 1880 by G. N. Garner in Thorold, Ontario. Measuring 57 feet (17.4 meters) in length with a beam of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and a depth of 6 feet (1.8 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 42 and a net tonnage of 18. Designed for towing and general utility work, the vessel operated primarily in the waters of Lake Huron.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
History
Throughout her 13-year service life, the George Douglas functioned as a utility tug, likely engaged in towing operations and general support tasks along the Lake Huron coastline. On November 18, 1893, while returning from Lion’s Head to Owen Sound, Ontario, the vessel caught fire under circumstances that remain unclear. The incident occurred in Colpoy’s Bay, a sheltered inlet on the Bruce Peninsula. Despite the sudden outbreak of fire, the crew managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. The vessel, however, was consumed by the flames and declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
The George Douglas was destroyed by fire in Colpoy’s Bay on November 18, 1893, and was considered a total loss.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Located By & Date Found
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the George Douglas has been located.(michigan.gov)
Notmars & Advisories
There are no known navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck of the George Douglas.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – D: https://greatlakesrex.wordpress.com/d/(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Conclusion
The George Douglas serves as a historical example of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Despite the lack of detailed records about her service and the circumstances of her loss, the incident underscores the hazards of maritime operations during that era, particularly the threat of onboard fires.
Keywords: George Douglas, Lake Huron shipwreck, 1893 fire, wooden tug, Colpoy’s Bay(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th-century maritime incidents, Great Lakes tugs
Glossary Terms:
- Propeller Tug: A small, powerful vessel equipped with a propeller, used for towing or pushing ships and barges.
- Gross Tonnage (GRT): A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel, including all enclosed spaces.
- Net Tonnage (NRT): A measure of the usable capacity of a vessel, excluding spaces not used for cargo or passengers.
- Colpoy’s Bay: A bay on the western side of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, connected to Georgian Bay.