Shipwreck Report: DAGMAR (formerly Fairy)

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: Dagmar (originally named Fairy)
  • Year Built: 1866
  • Built At: Montreal, Quebec
  • Type: Sidewheel Vessel (Market Boat)
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Dimensions:
    • 126 feet (38.4 meters) length
    • 23 feet (7 meters) beam
    • 6 feet (1.8 meters) depth
  • Tonnage: 405 gross tons
  • Original Owner: Ottawa River Navigation Co.
  • Final Location: Como, Quebec

Vessel Type Description

The Dagmar was a wooden sidewheel market boat, specifically designed for passenger and cargo transport on the Ottawa River. Originally named Fairy, it was quickly renamed Dagmar in 1867 to honour Queen Victoria’s daughter. Licensed to carry up to 400 passengers by 1886, it facilitated trade and connectivity between communities along the Ottawa River.

History

The Dagmar played an essential role in the development of the Ottawa River region during its operational years. Initially owned by the Ottawa River Navigation Co., it began service in 1867, connecting various communities and transporting goods vital to the regional economy.

In 1874, the vessel was acquired by the Montreal & Ottawa Forwarding Co., later transitioning to the Victoria Park Co. in 1877. During its time with the Victoria Park Co., the Dagmar operated in Toronto, running routes between the city and Victoria Park before returning to Montreal and resuming service along the Ottawa River.

The Dagmar was celebrated for its versatility and capacity, becoming a staple in the local transportation network. Its ability to transport both passengers and market goods made it indispensable to the communities it served.

Final Disposition

On March 12, 1890, tragedy struck the Dagmar when a fire broke out during its mooring in Como, Quebec. The vessel was entirely consumed by flames, marking the end of its 24-year service.

The specific cause of the fire remains undocumented, but the incident underscores the significant risks associated with wooden vessels of the era. Fires were a common threat to 19th-century ships, often leading to Total Loss due to the flammable nature of their wooden hulls and lack of advanced fire safety measures.

Current Condition

  • The Dagmar was completely destroyed in the fire, leaving no physical remnants at the site in Como, Quebec.
  • As no underwater wreckage exists, the vessel’s story remains preserved only in historical records and archives.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

No specific NOTMARs or navigational advisories are associated with the location of the Dagmar’s loss.

Historical Significance

The Dagmar exemplifies the essential role of sidewheel vessels in 19th-century Canadian transportation and commerce. Its operation along the Ottawa River illustrates the reliance of communities on market boats to support economic growth and connectivity. Its fiery end is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of early wooden vessels and the challenges of maritime safety during this period.

Resources & Links

  • Maritime History of the Ottawa River
  • Montreal Archives: For further exploration of 19th-century vessel operations in the region.
  • Canadian Shipwreck Records: Provides detailed documentation of maritime losses in Canada.

Keywords

Dagmar, Fairy, Sidewheel Vessel, Market Boat, Ottawa River, Montreal, Victoria Park Co., Como Quebec, Wooden Shipwreck, 19th-Century Maritime History, Maritime Fire.

Conclusion

The Dagmar stands as an emblem of 19th-century innovation and its accompanying risks. From its origins as a vital market boat to its fiery demise in 1890, the vessel’s history highlights both the importance and the impermanence of early maritime ventures. Today, the Dagmar’sstory is a poignant reminder of the critical role wooden vessels played in shaping Canada’s waterways.