IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: Ste. Anne
  • Year of Build: 1875
  • Built at: Montreal, Quebec
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Dimensions (Post-Rebuild): 72 feet (21.95 meters) length, 12 feet (3.66 meters) beam, 6 feet (1.83 meters) depth
  • Tonnage: 25 tons (post-Rebuild)
  • Original Official Number: 71636
  • Propulsion: Screw

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Ste. Anne was a wooden-hulled Tugboat constructed to facilitate maritime operations in the busy waterways of Quebec. Tugboats like the Ste. Anne were indispensable during the 19th century, tasked with towing larger vessels, assisting in docking maneuvers, and navigating confined or treacherous waterways. Its Screw Propulsion system allowed for the agility and precision essential to its role, particularly in the narrow or bustling ports and rivers it served.

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1875 in Montreal, Quebec, the Ste. Anne began its career under the ownership of S. Auger.

Designed for utility and reliability, it played a key role in facilitating the movement of vessels around Montreal and its surrounding waterways, aiding in the transportation and commerce that defined the region during the era.

Rebuild in 1881

The Ste. Anne underwent a significant Rebuild in 1881, which saw an increase in its length to 72 feet and a re-registration of its official tonnage to 25 tons.

These modifications likely aimed to enhance its operational capacity, extend its service life, or adapt it for emerging maritime demands in the late 19th century.

Final Incident

The Ste. Anne met its tragic end when it was consumed by a fire near Hudson, Quebec. The specific date and cause of the fire remain undocumented.

Fires were a common hazard for wooden vessels of this period, exacerbated by the absence of advanced fire suppression systems and the flammable materials used in construction.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The vessel was completely destroyed by the fire near Hudson, Quebec. No records indicate salvage or recovery operations, suggesting that the Ste. Anne was a Total Loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories concerning the wreck or remains of the Ste. Anne. Given its destruction by fire, there are likely no significant remnants left to pose navigational hazards or attract salvage operations.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • Maritime History of Quebec: Historical records about vessels operating in Quebec, particularly tugboats, can provide further insights into the context of the Ste. Anne’s operations.
  • Montreal Archives: A valuable resource for additional documentation and information about the vessel’s construction, ownership, and operational history.

CONCLUSION

The Ste. Anne exemplifies the critical role of tugboats in supporting maritime operations during the 19th century. Its construction and service in Montreal highlight the bustling commercial and logistical activities of the period. Though its Rebuild in 1881 extended its utility, the vessel’s destruction by fire near Hudson serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden ships in the pre-modern era. The Ste. Anne’s history reflects both the technological innovations of its time and the risks inherent in early maritime endeavors.

KEYWORDS

Ste. Anne, Tugboat, Montreal Quebec, Hudson Quebec, 19th-century maritime history, wooden vessel, S. Auger, maritime operations, fire at sea, Screw Propulsion.

GLOSSARY

  • Tugboat: A small, powerful boat designed to tow or push larger ships, especially in harbors or narrow waterways.
  • Screw Propulsion: A propulsion system powered by a screw propeller, offering efficient and precise navigation capabilities.
  • Rebuild: The process of extensively modifying or upgrading a vessel, often to improve performance or adapt to new roles.