Maud L (1907–1915)

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Description

Maud L was a small, wooden-hulled propeller Tug, likely used in harbor and nearshore operations around Parry Sound and Owen Sound. Her compact dimensions and light tonnage marked her for tasks such as towing barges, salvage operations, or ferrying Lighter loads.

Loss Details: Fire Incident

Context & Historical Significance

  • Operational Role: As a small Tug, it likely supported local steamers and schooners servicing Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, assisting with towing, docking, and perhaps logging or construction-related operations under Pratt ownership.
  • Maritime Environment: Early 20th-century Ontario tugs were particularly vulnerable to galley or boiler fires—common hazards due to wooden superstructures and early steam technology. Her loss underscores the intrinsic fire risk in such vessels.

Wreck Site & Investigation Status

  • Location: Vail’s Point (now part of Owen Sound’s waterfront area)
  • Post-Incident Documentation: Records indicate her documents were surrendered, but no underwater surveys, salvage attempts, or diving reports have been logged.
  • Site Condition: Potential remains may lie in shallow nearshore waters or may have been cleared for hazard mitigation; not currently recorded as a dive-worthy or heritage site.

Notices & Official Reports

  • No known Notices to Mariners or hazard warnings reference the site.
  • Loss of documentation and her being a minor vessel likely resulted in minimal press coverage and absence of formal inquiry.

Sources & Archival Citations

Research Gaps & Recommendations

  • Local News Archives: Investigate Owen Sound and Parry Sound newspapers (Dec 1915 issue) for fire incident coverage or eyewitness statements.
  • Harbor Master Logs: Review Owen Sound harbor records for fire reports, first-responder logs, disposal, or scrapping procedures.
  • Underwater Survey: If residual wreckage remains in shallow water, a site assessment (ROV or dive survey) could verify extant structure or debris.
  • Ownership Records: Examine Pratt family business archives or Ontario corporate filings for insurance or loss claims documentation.

Conclusion

The Maud L was a modest yet essential part of early 20th-century inland steam operations in Georgian and Lake Huron waters. Her total-loss fire at Vail’s Point in December 1915 highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden steam tugs of the era. While small and undocumented compared to larger shipwrecks, Maud L represents an interesting, localized maritime story deserving more archival and potential archaeological attention.

Keywords: Maud L • steam Tug • Parry Sound • Owen Sound • Lake Huron • 1915 fire • C.E. & E.S. Pratt • wooden propeller Tug • maritime loss • proven heritage candidate