A team of enthusiasts in marine archaeology will explore a beach in southwestern Ontario this summer to investigate a tragic shipwreck from over a century ago. The SS Erie Belle, a steam tug, suffered a violent explosion in 1883 on Lake Huron near Kincardine, claiming the lives of four individuals on board instantly, with two more succumbing to injuries in the following weeks. While it is known that a malfunctioning boiler caused the disaster, conservationist and wildlife biologist David Galbraith is leading an underwater survey to uncover further details.

Galbraith, a member of the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee (OMHC), shared that his interest in the SS Erie Belle was sparked by childhood visits to the beach where the wreck’s boiler remains. Encouraged by friends, he initiated efforts to document the site this year. The group has obtained a marine archaeology license from the province to conduct the survey, with a focus on documenting and photographing the wreckage, rather than removing any artifacts, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act regulations.

The survey, led by Galbraith and his team of volunteers, will take place throughout the summer at Boiler Beach. The endeavor has garnered support from fellow OMHC member Scarlett Janusus, a retired marine archaeologist, who emphasized the significance of preserving marine heritage and the need for more underwater research in the area. The project aims to shed light on the history surrounding the tragic shipwreck and contribute to the understanding of marine heritage in the Kincardine region.

Galbraith anticipates that the fieldwork will extend into August, emphasizing the importance of continuous inquiry and exploration in scientific endeavors. The initiative marks a crucial step in unraveling the mysteries of the SS Erie Belle tragedy and adds to the broader marine archaeological efforts in the province.