Identification & Vessel Data

  • Type: Steel or iron-hulled steam Tug (registered in U.S.)
  • Incident Date: November 23, 1907
  • Location: Near Port Dalhousie, Ontario (Lake Ontario)

Final Voyage & Incident Details

  • On a dark night, Escort and the Tug Golden City were racing toward the Barge Ben Harrison (“Ben”)—likely to claim tow or contract. In dense darkness, Escort collided with the Stern of the Ben Harrison barged to Golden City.
  • The collision severely damaged Escort, causing her to sink almost immediately.
  • Of her five crew, three lost their lives; two survived and were rescued by Golden City’s crew (Wikipedia).

Source Documentation

  • The incident is noted under the List of shipwrecks November 23, 1907, confirming Escort sank after collision with Ben Harrison, with three fatalities (Wikipedia).
  • A period publication, Marine News of 1907–1909, describes the Tug Escort (Captain Harry Dunlop) and Tug Golden City (Captain McCoppen) racing to reach the Barge, leading to the fatal collision (Marsh Collection).

Key Issues & Insights

  • Human factors: Racing in darkness to pick up a tow suggests risk-taking under commercial pressure—raising safety concerns.
  • Fatalities: The loss of three crew members underscores the perilous nature of such operations.
  • Survivors & Rescue: Two crew were rescued aboard Golden City, likely providing first-hand accounts.

Research Gaps & Recommended Next Steps

  • Exact Location
    • Pinpoint via historical charting and local maritime reports near Port Dalhousie.
  • Crew & Survivor Records
    • Identify crew names and survivors; search Ontario Coroner’s reports and newspapers for crew lists and obituaries (e.g., St. Catharines Standard Nov 1907).
  • Tow Operations Documentation
    • Investigate Barge logs of Ben Harrison and Golden City for ownership, cargo, journey, and insurance coverage.
  • Newspaper Accounts
  • Coast Guard / Marine Board Reports
    • Study official collision inquiry if held under Canadian federal maritime authorities.
  • Wreck Survey
    • If site known, sonar/magnetometer survey could locate wreckage; coordinate with Parks Canada’s Parks Shipwrecks Program.

Conclusion

The Tug Escort sank on November 23, 1907, following a fatal collision while racing for the Barge Ben Harrison off Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Three crew were killed, two survived. The incident reflects economic pressures on Tug crews and the hazards of night-time operations. Recovery of crew testimonies, newspaper archives, and marine investigations could offer deeper insight and possibly locate the wreck site.