Cowichan, Transport steamship in British Columbia, Canada
The Cowichan was a steamship that operated in British Columbia waters along Canada's west coast. The vessel measured about 157 feet and was powered by twin triple-expansion steam engines capable of reaching speeds around 11 knots.
The ship was built in 1908 by Ailsa Shipbuilding Company in Troon, Scotland. It sank after colliding with the Lady Cynthia in December 1925 near Roberts Creek.
The vessel's name comes from the Halkomelem word Qaw-can, meaning warm mountains, reflecting the heritage of First Nations peoples in southeast Vancouver Island. This connection links the ship's story to the land and the communities who lived there first.
The ship followed regular routes between Campbell River and Rock Bay, serving remote logging camps along the coastal inlets. These waters presented challenging conditions that demanded skilled seamanship from the captain and crew.
The ship was originally named Cariboo when it arrived but had to be renamed because another Canadian vessel already used that name. This change happened before the ship began its working life on the coast.
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