A team of marine history enthusiasts will explore a beach in southwestern Ontario this summer to investigate a tragic shipwreck that occurred over a century ago. The SS Erie Belle, a steam tug, exploded violently in 1883 on Lake Huron near Kincardine, resulting in the immediate death of four crew members and two more succumbing to injuries later. The cause of the wreck was attributed to a malfunctioning boiler, prompting conservationist and wildlife biologist David Galbraith to lead an underwater research expedition to uncover further details.
Growing up near Lake Huron, Galbraith has long been intrigued by the presence of the boiler on the beach, which sparked his curiosity to delve deeper into the SS Erie Belle’s history. Following discussions with friends, the decision was made to document the wreckage. The Ontario government has granted Galbraith and his volunteer team a marine archaeology license to conduct the survey, focusing on documenting the site through measurements and photography without disturbing any artifacts, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Ontario Heritage Act.
Galbraith, a member of the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee, plans to dedicate the summer to exploring Boiler Beach, where the tragic incident took place. Collaborating with Scarlett Janusus, a retired marine archaeologist and fellow OMHC member, the team aims to shed light on the area’s maritime past, emphasizing the importance of preserving marine heritage. Janusus highlighted the significance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the steamship explosion, underscoring the broader need for marine archaeology initiatives across the province.
Acknowledging the challenges of underwater research, Janusus expressed support for Galbraith’s project and stressed the importance of increasing efforts in marine archaeology. Galbraith anticipates that the fieldwork will extend into August, emphasizing that the survey is just the initial phase of a comprehensive learning process. As a scientist, he emphasized the value of asking questions to unravel the mysteries of the past.