Shipwreck Report: ADVANCE

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Advance
  • Other Names: None
  • Vessel Type: Tugboat (Towboat)
  • Year Built: 1886
  • Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
  • Builder: William Bertman
  • Official Number: 90775
  • Hull Type: Wooden, Carvel-built
  • Stern: Round
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 48.8 feet (14.9 meters)
    • Beam: 15.1 feet (4.6 meters)
    • Depth: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 72.37 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 49.22 tons
  • Final Location: Between Spanish River and Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Huron
  • Date of Loss: October 25, 1903
  • Coordinates: Not available
  • Depth at Wreck Site: Information not provided

Vessel Type Description

The Advance was a small, robust wooden Tugboat designed for towing and support tasks on the Great Lakes. Its carvel-built Hull ensured durability and efficiency in towing operations. Equipped with a 20-horsepower single screw engine, the Advance was a utility vessel integral to maritime logistics in the region during its operational life.

History

The Advance was built in 1886 by William Bertman in Windsor, Ontario, as a Tugboat designed for towing operations across Lake Huron. The vessel’s original propulsion system consisted of an upright 10 x 8-inch engine manufactured in 1865 by Shepard Iron Works in Buffalo, New York. Despite its relatively modest horsepower, the engine was reliable and sufficient for the Advance’s towing needs.

Ownership Changes:

  • 1897: Owned by W. Holder of Windsor, Ontario.
  • 1903: Owned by William A. Kennedy, based on Manitoulin Island.
  • Throughout its service, the Advance supported shipping and transport operations, aiding in the bustling commerce of the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage and Incident:

On October 25, 1903, the Advance was en route between Spanish River and Sault Ste. Marie when it caught fire. The flames consumed the vessel entirely. Despite efforts to tow the Advance to Sault Ste. Marie, the fire rendered the Tug a Total Loss. Its exact location and the circumstances leading to the fire remain unclear, but the vessel was removed from the Canadian List of Shipping between 1923 and 1933.

Final Disposition

The Advance was completely destroyed by fire during its voyage in 1903. While it was towed to Sault Ste. Marie, the vessel was declared a Total Loss, and its remains were not documented further. The ultimate disposition of the wreck is unknown, and no significant remains are believed to exist.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific advisories related to the wreck of the Advance. Given its destruction by fire and unknown resting place, the site does not pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck site of the Advance has not been formally located or explored. No recovery or detailed documentation efforts have been reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to the fire that consumed the vessel, any remains of the Advance are likely minimal. Its location is undocumented, and it is not considered a site of interest for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

Keywords

#Advance #Tugboat #Towboat #WindsorOntario #LakeHuron #Shipwreck #GreatLakes #MaritimeHistory #SaultSteMarie

Conclusion

The Advance played a significant role in the maritime operations of Lake Huron, providing essential towing services to support Great Lakes commerce. Its tragic end in 1903 serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels during this era. Although its final resting place remains unknown, the Advance is a noteworthy part of Great Lakes history, reflecting the resilience and challenges of 19th and early 20th-century maritime life.