02/08/2025
I found the remains of the Clipper today, thanks to the nice people at Clipper Bay Camp. The hull is in the water, the boiler, metal framing and propeller are on shore at the resort. If you would like to see the remains in person, email the resort ahead of time please. The Clipper was built in 1897 in Kenora and owned by Captain Frank Kendall. It provided both passenger and towing services for over 40 years on August 24, 1899 tragedy struck 15 miles off Long Point captain Kendall left the wheelhouse to speak to the cook about dinner. The water was very rough that day and they were towing a barge. The captain stopped to adjust the tow line and was swept overboard. The boat was going full speed and by the time everything was stopped, he was 400 yards astern and could be seen swimming for a minute before he disappeared under the waves. Two weeks later his body was found 12 miles away in Buffalo Bay. The Clippers registry was closed in 1938.
