The History of the St. Magnus (1880-1934)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: St. Magnus
  • Former Names: Magnolia (1898-1919), Luckport (1919-1934)
  • Registry: Canada
  • Official Number: 77693
  • Date Built: 1880
  • Builder: A.M. Robertson, Hamilton, Ontario
  • Vessel Type: Propeller Steamer (later converted to a Tug)
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Dimensions (as built):
  • Length: 180 ft (54.86 m)
  • Width: 28 ft (8.53 m)
  • Depth: 14 ft (4.27 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 853 tons

Vessel Type

The St. Magnus was originally a wooden-hulled Propeller Steamer, built in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1880. It was designed for general freight transportation but underwent multiple rebuilds over its lifetime, eventually being converted into a Tugboat.

Description & History

The St. Magnus had an eventful history filled with accidents, fires, and rebuilds.

  • June 7, 1895: The vessel rolled over at the Pennsylvania Railroad freight shed in Cleveland, Ohio. It was raised by Michigan Wrecking & Salvage Co. and towed to Muir Brothers’ Dry Dock at Port Dalhousie, Ontario, for repairs.
  • September 5, 1895: Before repairs could be completed, the vessel caught fire and burned at Port Dalhousie. The damage was extensive, leaving only the Hull salvageable.
  • 1898: The burned-out Hull was towed to Midland, Ontario, where it was Rebuilt as a Tugboat and renamed Magnolia. The new dimensions after rebuilding were:
  • Length: 136 ft (41.45 m)
  • Width: 21.33 ft (6.50 m)
  • Depth: 13.58 ft (4.14 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 367 tons
  • 1917: Another Rebuild saw the vessel slightly reduced in size again:
  • Length: 126 ft (38.4 m)
  • Width: 21.5 ft (6.55 m)
  • Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 231 tons

In 1919, the vessel underwent one final renaming to Luckport and continued operating until its final demise in 1934.

Final Disposition

In December 1934, the Luckport (formerly St. Magnus) partially burned once again. This time, the damage was beyond repair. The remains were beached and dismantled at Midland, Ontario, marking the end of its 54-year career.

Connection to the Wreck of the Bob Hackett (1885)

The St. Magnus was involved in the collision that sank the steam Tug Bob Hackett in the Detroit River on September 8, 1885. The Bob Hackett sank in 16 feet of water within three minutes of the collision. Initially, the courts ruled in favor of the Bob Hackett’s owners, but the decision was overturned when it was determined that the Tug had misunderstood signals and cut in front of the St. Magnus.

Located By & Date Found

The vessel was dismantled in 1934, and no wreckage remains to be located.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil returns.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The St. Magnus was a ship with a dramatic history of accidents, fires, and reconstructions. From its rolling accident in Cleveland to its collision with the Bob Hackett, and finally burning in 1934, it was a vessel that seemed to have been plagued by misfortune. Nevertheless, it served various purposes over five decades before being laid to rest at Midland, Ontario.