Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Signal
- Type: sternwheel steamer
- Year Built: 1896
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Wiarton, Ontario
- Original Owners: Signal Towing & Rafting Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden sternwheel excursion steamer.
Description
The Signal was built in 1896 as a passenger excursion vessel, primarily serving tourist and transport services around Lake Huron. It was owned by Signal Towing & Rafting Co. from 1901.
History
The Signal served as a key excursion and towing steamer starting in 1896. After its acquisition by Signal Towing & Rafting Co. in 1901, it was utilized for tourism and transport around the Bruce Peninsula. The vessel’s destruction by fire reflects a pattern of timber-hulled steam vessels of the era facing critical risks while moored.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On October 2, 1905, the Signal was docked at Wiarton or in nearby harbor waters when it was destroyed by fire while docked. The vessel completely burned and was declared a total loss. No casualties were reported as the crew safely evacuated.
- The tug Marion Trotter and steamer J.E. Mills assisted in efforts to remove the vessel from the rocky dock area prior to complete destruction.
Final Disposition
The Signal was declared a total loss after the fire incident. The vessel was completely burned and no salvage was possible.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is confirmed that the vessel was lost to fire.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”signal-1902″ title=”References & Links”]
The Signal remains a significant historical vessel in the region, representing the risks faced by timber-hulled steam vessels in the early 20th century.
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.
(sternwheel steamer, 1896–1905)
- Built: 1896 as a passenger excursion vessel (sternwheel type)
- Owned: Signal Towing & Rafting Co., Wiarton, Ontario (from 1901)
- Operated: On Lake Huron, primarily in tourist and transport service
Final Incident – October 2, 1905
- Date: October 2, 1905
- Location: Docked at Wiarton or in nearby harbor waters, Lake Huron
- Cause: Destroyed by fire while docked; completely burned and declared a total loss
- Casualties: None reported — crew safely evacuated
- The tug Marion Trotter and steamer J.E. Mills assisted in efforts to remove the vessel from the rocky dock area prior to complete destruction (brucemuseum.ca, marshcollection.org)
Operational Context
- The Signal served as a key excursion and towing steamer starting in 1896
- After acquisition by Signal Towing & Rafting Co. in 1901, she was used in tourism and transport around the Bruce Peninsula
- Her destruction by fire reflects a pattern of timber-hulled steam vessels of the era facing critical risks while moored
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Wooden sternwheel excursion steamer |
| Built | 1896 |
| Owner | Signal Towing & Rafting Co., Wiarton (1901) |
| Lost | Oct 2, 1905 – dockfire, Lake Huron |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Salvage Help | Assisted by Marion Trotter & J.E. Mills (marshcollection.org) |
Potential Research Enhancements
- Local newspaper archives (October 1905): Wiarton Echo, Bruce County Reporter likely contain incident reporting and eyewitness accounts
- Marine underwriter records: Insurance claim files may detail damage valuation and vessel specifications
- Company archives: Signal Towing & Rafting Co. logs or business paperwork might note the cause of fire and charter details