CAPTAIN JOEL ROBINSON
1861
(Survived)
The Maid of the Mist Ferry Service, launched in 1846, remained the only method to cross the border until 1848 when the first suspension bridge was built. It was then turned into a tourist boat attraction.
It was sold at public auction to a Canadian company and required the boat to be delivered to Lake Ontario. In order to do so, the Maid of the Mist would have to be navigated through the Great Gorge Rapids, the Whirlpool and the Lower Rapids prior to delivery.
On June 6, 1861, 53-year-old Captain Joel Robinson embarked on the journey with two deck hands, mechanic James McIntyre and engineer James Jones. Both shores were lined with people who had come to watch the perilous journey.
The first giant wave threw Robinson and McIntyre to the floor of the wheelhouse and tore the smoke stack from the boat. Engineer Jones was thrown to the floor of the engine room. The boat was at the mercy of the waves crashing against it and was hurled across the rock strewn rapids into the Whirlpool.
Captain Robinson regained control of his boat and held course. The 3-mile journey through the rapids and the Whirlpool was successful except for losing the smoke stack.
Captain Robinson was the first person to accomplish the task of navigating the boat through such treacherous waters. The terrifying experience made Captain Robinson give up a career that he loved.
He retired into near seclusion and died two years later at the age of 55 years.
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