A team of marine history enthusiasts is gearing up to explore a beach in southwestern Ontario this summer, aiming to uncover more about a tragic shipwreck that occurred over a century ago. The SS Erie Belle, a steam tug, met a catastrophic end in 1883 on Lake Huron, just south of Kincardine. The incident claimed the lives of four individuals on board instantly, with two more succumbing to injuries in the following weeks. While experts have attributed the wreck to a faulty boiler, conservationist and wildlife biologist David Galbraith is spearheading an underwater investigation to delve deeper into the event.
Growing up near the shores of Lake Huron, Galbraith had long been intrigued by the remnants of the boiler on the beach. This year, prompted by friends, he decided to embark on a mission to document the site. Securing a marine archaeology license from the province, Galbraith and his volunteer team will conduct the survey without disturbing any artifacts, focusing on measurements, documentation, and photography. The Ontario Heritage Act strictly prohibits unauthorized tampering with or retrieval of relics from recognized marine archaeological sites.
Galbraith, a member of the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee, will dedicate the summer to exploring Boiler Beach, where the SS Erie Belle tragedy unfolded. Collaborating with retired marine archaeologist Scarlett Janusus, another OMHC member, the team aims to shed light on the area’s historical significance. Janusus highlighted the importance of preserving marine heritage, emphasizing the gaps in written records and the necessity for more underwater research in the region.
The project, supported by Janusus, signifies a crucial step in unraveling the mystery behind the steamship explosion and contributes to the broader marine archaeological efforts in the province. Galbraith’s scientific approach and inquisitive nature are expected to drive the fieldwork, which is anticipated to extend into August. Reflecting on the endeavor, Galbraith emphasized the continuous quest for knowledge through questioning and exploration.
