Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

A classic Great Lakes Tug built in 1888, used extensively to tow barges loaded with lumber and general cargo. Rebuilt and renamed Joseph L. Russell in 1920 at Port Colborne, she served for over four decades.

History & Final Voyage

Originally commissioned as Lakeside in 1888, she was repurposed and renamed Joseph L. Russell by 1920 after owner John E. Russell (wrecksite.eu, stcatharineshistory.ca). On 15 November 1929, while towing the lumber-laden Barge Augustus from Montreal toward Toronto, the Tug unexpectedly took on water near Point Petre. Despite heavy pumps, she Foundered and began sinking (wrecksite.eu). The crew escaped via lifeboat and rowed ashore at Cobourg.

A local report described her sinking:

“She began to take in water… Her crew left the sinking Tug in the lifeboat and managed to row ashore at Cobourg.” (stcatharineshistory.ca)

Final Disposition

The Tug Foundered and sank in deep water, leaving behind the tow Barge which floated on unaffected. No salvage or recovery efforts for the Hull were reported.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. No known dive sites, GPS records, or underwater surveys document her remains.

Notations & Advisories

No navigational hazards or chart advisories note her wreck site. The region near Point Petre sees seasonal turbidity, and such wrecks remain largely undocumented unless targeted by marine archaeologists.

Resources & Links

  • Wrecksite “On This Day” summary detailing the foundering and rescue (wrecksite.eu)
  • Historical Society of St. Catharines newsletter confirming Rebuild history and final voyage details (stcatharineshistory.ca)

Conclusion

Joseph L. Russell, initially launched as Lakeside in 1888, served as a hardworking Tug for over 40 years. On 15 November 1929, she Foundered off Point Petre while towing the Barge Augustus. All crew survived, escaping to Cobourg in the Tug’s lifeboat. The Tug sank and remains lost to the depths, uncharted and undocumented, though her story endures in local history.

Suggested Next Steps

  • Obtain marine registry or ownership logs detailing the 1920 Rebuild and Conversion
  • Retrieve period newspaper reports (e.g., Cobourg Daily) for eyewitness or technical salvage coverage
  • Map an estimated wreck location based on wind and tow routing for future dive research