Vessel Type

Ship Date

Builder

Owner or managing owner(s)

Vessel Description

The SS Tutshi (pronounced - "Too Shy") was built for the British Yukon Navigation Company in 1917 at Carcross and was pulled out of service in 1955. Her name was derived from a Tlingit word. She was on the Carcross to Grahame Inlet on the Atlin run. Later she was on a tourist route between Carcross to Ben-My-Cree. In 1954 she was removed from service and beached in 1955 at Carcross, YT with the intention of becoming a museum display. The Yukon Government purchased the SS Tutshi in 1971 and began an ambitious restoration project that was nearing its end when the boat tragically caught fire in July 1990.

The vessel was opened to tours in 1988 with ongoing restoration work publicly accessible as it was to become part of the steamer's history. It was a devastating blow to the community and the vessel's owner when it burned before the fire suppression system could be installed. This multi-use interpretation memorial and community space is dedicated to the SS Tutshi and its role in the area's tourism industry.

Sources:

• Nauticapedia: Tutshi
• Yukon Historic Sites: S.S. Tutshi

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