• Vessel Name: Aloha
• Vessel Type: Schooner-Barge
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Simcoe Island
• GPS Coordinates: N44 09.785 W76 34.092
• Length: 173 feet (52.7 meters)
• Depth: 55 feet (16.8 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Aloha was a three-masted Schooner-Barge, a vessel type common on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally built as a sailing Schooner, it was later converted into a Barge to be towed by steamers, a practice that allowed larger cargo loads and more efficient transport of bulk goods like coal and grain. Despite being adapted for towing, the Aloha retained its masts and could still use its sails if needed. By the time of its sinking, however, it operated primarily as a towed Barge.

History

Launched in 1888 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the Aloha spent nearly 30 years as a cargo vessel, facing multiple challenges and incidents. In 1892, it collided with the Schooner Josephine in the St. Mary’s River, leading to the latter’s sinking. Later that year, the Aloha ran aground at Sand Beach, Michigan, necessitating an unloading before it could be refloated and subsequently undergo extensive repairs in Port Huron. Converted to a Barge in 1902 in Buffalo, New York, the Aloha transitioned from a fully functioning Schooner to a vessel primarily towed by steamers. It became part of Canadian maritime assets in 1914, and by 1917, it was under the ownership of the Midland Transportation Company.

Final Disposition

On October 28, 1917, the Aloha was en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Kingston, Ontario, laden with 925 tons of coal destined for the Canadian Locomotive Works. Towed by the Steamer C.W. Chamberlain, it encountered a severe storm described as one of the worst in years. The Aloha began taking on water, lost its lifeboat, and eventually Foundered near Nine Mile Point off Kingston. Despite attempts to save the vessel, it was overcome by waves and sank. The storm claimed the life of Captain Daniel McVicar, whose body was later found on Simcoe Island’s shores. Four other crew members survived after a difficult ordeal in the harsh conditions.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners specific to the wreck of the Aloha.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Aloha was discovered in 1964. However, information on the individual or team responsible for its discovery is not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to its wooden construction and prolonged submersion, the Aloha is likely in a state of considerable decay. Nonetheless, the wreck remains accessible to experienced divers interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks. The depth of 55 feet makes it a feasible dive site, although caution is recommended due to potential debris and Visibility issues related to the wreck’s storm-ravaged history.

References and Links

For those interested in further research or viewing models and visuals related to the Aloha, the following resources are recommended:

• 3D Shipwrecks Model
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Queen’s University Journal
• YouTube Video by Spike
• DeeperBlue
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Youtube Video

Conclusion

The Aloha’s story and its wreck site offer a rich historical experience for those exploring the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. This Schooner-Barge represents the era’s adaptability and the risks faced by vessels navigating the region’s volatile waters. Today, it serves as a submerged monument to the challenges and resilience of 19th-century lake transport.

Keywords: Aloha Schooner-Barge, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Simcoe Island, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century Schooner

Aloha by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab