Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== NAME: Belle OTHER NAME(s): - OFFICIAL NO: - REASON: Aground in fog DATE: 16 May 1852 LOCATION: Georgian Bay TYPE: Steamer HULL TYPE: Wooden BUILDER: Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, N.Y., Launched March 16, 1850 OWNER: Capt. R. B. Despard and Messrs. Abell, Snow & Co., Buffalo, N.Y. MASTER: Capt. M. McGregor TONNAGE: abt 270 t LENGTH: 142 ft BEAM: 22 ft DEPTH: 9 ft CASUALTIES: 0 SURVIVORS: On May 16, 1852, the BELLE was en route from Manitoulin Island to Owen Sound, in Georgian Bay. A strong breeze came up at about 4 p.m. that lasted until about 8 p.m. and was followed by a thickening fog and rough seas. Being unable to see any further than half the boat's length, it was decided, at about 10 p.m., that they should stand off into Georgian Bay until morning. As Capt. McGregor was giving the order to the engineer, the BELLE struck on what was, in the morning, found to be Cape Crocker, also known as Cape Montressor. It was initially thought that the BELLE could be repaired, although at a great expense, but the wind and waves had soon made her a total wreck. ======================================================================== Sources: Buffalo Daily Republic, 24 January 1850 Toronto Globe, 27 May 1852 Buffalo Daily Courier, 31 May 1852