by Guest » March 8, 2023, 12:45 pm
I recall that after the fire hearing this vessel being referred to as the Algosoot in several instances at meetings of maritime historical groups by both speakers and attendees. For some reason, I disliked it being referred to by that name as if the fire was going to be the highlight of its career. I know it was widely reported that the fire caused $16 million (Canadian dollars I assume) but luckily this occurred during winter layup and there were no human casualties involved. Although the fire had ravaged the aft end, the age of the vessel warranted repairs at the time. Had this fire spread down the length of the hull or had the fire occurred about 7-10 years later, it is likely teh Algosoo would have deemed a total loss as was the St. Clair and the Roger Blough which sustained similar fires later in their careers. As for the story of the employee being fired for adding the "T" to the end of the ship's name, I have heard this story before. I don't know if it is an example of a boatnerd urban legend or not but given the nature of the accident, this is not exactly the type of situation that requires humor. To that end, Algoma would have probably been justified, especially given the public nature of the joke, to have let this person go over the incident. But who knows what the truth to this really is? Does anyone have any evidence as to how long the "T" remained on the vessel before being painted over? If it remained until the ship was undergoing repairs then I would doubt the validity of this story. If, however, it was quickly removed, which would have been easy to accomplish by just painting over the single letter then I would conclude that the company found little humor in this.
I recall that after the fire hearing this vessel being referred to as the Algosoot in several instances at meetings of maritime historical groups by both speakers and attendees. For some reason, I disliked it being referred to by that name as if the fire was going to be the highlight of its career. I know it was widely reported that the fire caused $16 million (Canadian dollars I assume) but luckily this occurred during winter layup and there were no human casualties involved. Although the fire had ravaged the aft end, the age of the vessel warranted repairs at the time. Had this fire spread down the length of the hull or had the fire occurred about 7-10 years later, it is likely teh Algosoo would have deemed a total loss as was the St. Clair and the Roger Blough which sustained similar fires later in their careers. As for the story of the employee being fired for adding the "T" to the end of the ship's name, I have heard this story before. I don't know if it is an example of a boatnerd urban legend or not but given the nature of the accident, this is not exactly the type of situation that requires humor. To that end, Algoma would have probably been justified, especially given the public nature of the joke, to have let this person go over the incident. But who knows what the truth to this really is? Does anyone have any evidence as to how long the "T" remained on the vessel before being painted over? If it remained until the ship was undergoing repairs then I would doubt the validity of this story. If, however, it was quickly removed, which would have been easy to accomplish by just painting over the single letter then I would conclude that the company found little humor in this.