Story
This tug was built in 1899 in New Westminster, BC.
Historical Notes
In 1899 this vessel was a cannery tender.
In 1923 this vessel was serving Balmoral Cannery as a cannery tender. On December 24, 1923 this vessel foundered during a sudden storm in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Pedder Bay BC with loss of Captain Anderson; Jimmy Davis (Mate) and Jack Atill (cook). The owner Engineer, Archie Pike swam 600 yards to shore.
They had left Albert Head with a scow filled with gravel at 10:00am bound for Port Angeles. After dropping the scow there, the returned at 4:00pm. Huge seas (20'-30') were running at Race Rocks so they ran for shelter at Pedder Bay. But rather than shelter they faced another tide rip where they were suddenly swamped by two huge waves. The started to sink and it was all over in 5 minutes. Tee crew in the water they held onto an upturned lifeboat and Al Warner and Archie Pike were the only ones to make it to shore - the others being drowned.
Owners & Masters
In 1901-1912 she was owned by Francis Boutilier (MO), New Westminster BC Canada.
In 1913-1918 she was owned by The Packers Steamship Co. Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1919 she was owned by S. & S. Transportation & Towing Co. Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1920-1921 she was owned by Jas. E. Hatt, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1922 she was owned by Arthur Pike & William Schade, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1923 she was owned by Arthur Pike, Victoria BC Canada.
Masters
Captain Don Peck (1922); Captain John Anderson (1923);
References
- Nicholson, George (1962)
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada (1993)
- Canada List of Shipping
- Rogers, A.C. (Jr.) Shipwreck Chart No. 2
- List of Shipping Casualties Resulting in Total Loss in British Columbia and Coastal Waters Since 1897 (undated manuscript document)
- The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria BC) Monday December 31, 1923 page 5
