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Submitted by Linda Talbott
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Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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    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.
                    
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Sources: Buffalo Daily Republic, 24 January 1850
         Toronto Globe, 27 May 1852
         Buffalo Daily Courier, 31 May 1852