• Name: Mayflower
• Vessel Type: Rear Paddlewheeler, Flat-bottomed Steamer
• Location: Kamaniskeg Lake, Barry’s Bay, Ontario, Canada
• Coordinates: N 45.395466, W -77.688359
• Depth: 21 feet freshwater (ffw) / 7 meters
• Length: 77 feet
• Condition: Broken and decaying; submerged on sandy bottom
• Date of Event: November 12, 1912
• Reported by: Various sources including community stories, historical markers, and local publications

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The Mayflower was a wooden rear paddlewheeler built in 1903 by Napoleon Tessier in Combermere, Ontario, for the Hudson brothers. Designed for navigating the shallow waters of the Madawaska River, the vessel measured 77 feet in length and was powered by two cross compound steam engines driving a single rear paddle wheel with twelve paddles. Originally built as a flat-bottomed Steamer, the Mayflower was licensed as a Tug but often carried passengers. Due to modifications and wear, the vessel was considered unseaworthy by some, particularly at the time of its sinking.

HISTORY:

Construction and Early Service:

• Built in 1903: The Mayflower was constructed in Combermere, Ontario, specifically for use on the Madawaska River. Its flat-bottomed design allowed it to navigate shallow waters efficiently, and it primarily served as a Tugboat, although it was also used for passenger transport.
• Ownership: The vessel was owned by Hudson Bros. of Combermere, who utilized it for various purposes, including transporting passengers along the Madawaska River. Despite its design for industrial use, the Mayflowerfrequently carried civilians, particularly on special trips.

Final Voyage and Sinking:

• November 12, 1912: On the night of its sinking, the Mayflower was en route from Barry’s Bay to Combermere, carrying the body of John Brown, who had died in a gun accident in Saskatchewan, back to his family for burial. A severe winter storm struck the vessel on Kamaniskeg Lake, causing it to capsize and sink.
• Tragic Loss: Nine lives were lost in the disaster, including crew members and passengers. Among the victims were J.C. Hudson (owner and engineer), A. Parcher (pilot), J. Delaney (fireman), and several passengers from various regions. Remarkably, three survivors clung to the casket of John Brown and made it to a small island, now known as Parcher Island, where they survived the night.

Aftermath:

• International Attention: The sinking of the Mayflower gained worldwide attention and was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not due to the unusual circumstances of the survivors.
• Destruction of the Wreck: Following the sinking, parts of the vessel remained above water, posing a navigational hazard. Ottawa port authorities used dynamite to destroy the protruding sections, ensuring the safety of other vessels.
• Memorialization: An island on Kamaniskeg Lake was named after the Mayflower to honor the memory of those who perished. Additionally, Mayflower Park was established in Combermere as a centennial project in 1967, serving as a lasting memorial.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

The Mayflower now rests broken and decaying on the sandy bottom of Kamaniskeg Lake at a depth of 7 meters (21 feet). The wreck is a popular dive site, drawing divers who are interested in the vessel’s historical significance and tragic story. Over time, the wooden structure has deteriorated, but it remains a poignant reminder of the disaster.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Mayflower. However, its location is well-known to the local diving community and is marked for those wishing to explore the site.

LOCATED BY & DATE:

The wreck was located near Barry’s Bay in Kamaniskeg Lake. Its location has been documented and marked, making it accessible to divers. The exact date of discovery by divers is not specified, but the site has been recognized for many years.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:

The wreck of the Mayflower lies on the sandy bottom of Kamaniskeg Lake and is accessible to divers. The structure is in a state of decay, with the wooden Hull breaking down over time. Despite this, the site remains a significant historical and recreational dive spot, with Visibility generally good in the clear waters of the lake.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Historical Marker: Located in Bancroft near the boat launch
• Pembroke Observer: Coverage of the Mayflower disaster
• Community Stories: Local accounts from residents and descendants of survivors
• Google Books: Potential references to related maritime history
• YouTube: Video documentation by local divers like Ellise Dallaire
• Linda Seccapina’s Research: Further details on the Mayflower and its history

CONCLUSION:

The Mayflower tragedy of 1912 remains one of the most significant inland maritime disasters in Canadian history. The vessel’s sinking during a winter storm on Kamaniskeg Lake, with the loss of nine lives, marked a dark chapter in the region’s history. Today, the wreck of the Mayflower serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by early 20th-century mariners on Canada’s inland waters. The site, now a popular dive location, continues to attract interest from historians, divers, and the local community, ensuring that the story of the Mayflower and its victims is not forgotten.

Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Paddlewheeler, Kamaniskeg Lake, Barry’s Bay, Ontario, Shipwreck Resilience, 20th Century Disasters, Underwater Archaeology, Combermere Ontario

Looking for more?

1. Local Historical Societies and Museums:

• Cloyne and District Historical Society: Often involved in preserving the history of the Ontario region, they might have online resources or publications related to the Mayflower.

  • Website: Cloyne and District Historical Society

• Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum: This museum may have exhibits or articles on the Mayflower.

  • Website: Bancroft Museum

2. Canadian Virtual War Memorial:

• This site may have some memorials or links related to the people who perished in the Mayflower disaster.

  • Website: Canadian Virtual War Memorial

3. Diving Community Resources:

• Shotline Diving: They provide information and resources about dive sites in Ontario, including the Mayflower.

  • Website: Shotline Diving – Mayflower

• Ontario Underwater Council: This organization may have dive site information, maps, or historical references to the Mayflower.

  • Website: Ontario Underwater Council

4. Books and Publications:

• Google Books: Search for terms like “Mayflower”, “Kamaniskeg Lake”, or “Ontario Maritime Disasters” to find books that reference the incident.

  • Search: Google Books Search

• Library and Archives Canada: They may have digitized books or articles relating to the disaster.

  • Website: Library and Archives Canada

5. Local News Archives:

• Pembroke Observer: This local newspaper has covered stories related to the Mayflower in the past. Archived articles might be available online.

  • Archive Search: Pembroke Observer Archives

• Ontario Historic Newspapers Project: A digital repository of historic newspapers where you can search for articles about the Mayflower.

  • Website: Ontario Historic Newspapers

6. Video and Multimedia:

• YouTube: Search for videos related to the Mayflower disaster or dives at Kamaniskeg Lake. Local divers or historians may have posted content.

  • Example: YouTube Search for Mayflower Kamaniskeg

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not: The Mayflower disaster was featured by Ripley’s, so they might have some online content or archival material.

  • Website: Ripley’s Believe It or Not

7. Community Stories and Blogs:

• Local Historians’ Blogs: Many local historians in Ontario maintain blogs where they document lesser-known historical events.

  • Example: Ontario Genealogy Blog

• Social Media Groups: Facebook groups or online forums dedicated to Canadian maritime history might have posts or discussions about the Mayflower.

8. Parks Canada:

• As the Mayflower incident is part of Canada’s maritime history, Parks Canada might have information or references in their historical archives.

  • Website: Parks Canada

These resources should provide a wide array of information and further details on the Mayflower, offering both historical context and diving insights.

Photo’s Corey Phillips SLD