Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Thomas Freel Battle
• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Year Built: 1901
• Builder: Freeman Green Sr., Dunnville, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length 47 ft (14.3 m); Beam 13 ft (4 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Port Maitland Harbor, Ontario, Lake Erie

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type Description

The F.B. Brady was a compact yet sturdy wooden steam tug, designed for towing and assisting other vessels on the Great Lakes. Its screw propulsion and single-cylinder engine made it a reliable and functional craft, well-suited for the dynamic maritime activities of the early 20th century.

Description

Identification & Site Information

• Original Name: F.B. Brady
• Renamed: Thomas Freel Battle (1905)
• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Length: 47 feet (14.3 meters)
• Beam: 13 feet (4 meters)
• Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
• Year Built: 1901
• Builder: Freeman Green Sr., Dunnville, Ontario
• Propulsion: Single-cylinder engine with screw propulsion
• Registry: St. Catharines, Ontario (after renaming)
• Final Resting Place: Destroyed at Port Maitland Harbor, Ontario, Lake Erie

History

Construction and Early Operations

Built in 1901 in Dunnville, Ontario, the F.B. Brady served as a vital support vessel, towing ships and cargo across Lake Erie. Its wooden hull and practical design reflected the needs of the time, providing economical and versatile towing services.

Renaming to Thomas Freel Battle

In 1905, the tugboat underwent a significant transformation when it was renamed Thomas Freel Battle. The reason for this renaming remains unclear, but it marked a new chapter in its operational life. Registered in St. Catharines, Ontario, the Thomas Freel Battle continued to play an essential role in the Great Lakes’ bustling maritime trade.

Tragic Fire in 1907

On October 17, 1907, while moored at a plaster dock in Port Maitland Harbor, Ontario, a fire broke out near the tugboat’s boiler. The flames spread rapidly, consuming the vessel entirely. Despite the crew’s best efforts to save the tugboat, they were unable to extinguish the fire.

Significant Incidents

Aftermath

• Loss: The Thomas Freel Battle was a total loss.
• Casualties: Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire.
• Cause: The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving behind unanswered questions about the vessel’s destruction.

Final Disposition

Current Status: Completely destroyed by fire in Port Maitland Harbor.

Historical Significance: The loss of the Thomas Freel Battle illustrates the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels and the hazards of maritime operations in the early 20th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Thomas Freel Battle is no longer present, having been completely destroyed by fire. The site serves as a reminder of the risks faced by wooden vessels during their operational lives.

Resources & Links

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The story of the F.B. Brady—later known as the Thomas Freel Battle—is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie. From its construction and operational life to its tragic destruction, the vessel exemplifies the challenges and risks faced by maritime crews and their craft. Though lost to history, the Thomas Freel Battle serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Great Lakes maritime community.