Updated Information for the North King Wreck:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: North King (formerly Norseman)
• Type: Steam Barge (originally a wooden-hulled paddle Steamer)
• Dimensions: Length: 175 feet (53.3 meters) Beam: 48 feet (14.6 meters) Depth (vessel): 10 feet (3 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 872
• Net Tonnage: 498 (after Rebuild)
• Construction: Wood, carvel-type Hull
• Built: 1868 in Montreal, Quebec (originally launched as Norseman in 1864 in St. Catharines, Ontario)
• Location of Wreck: Collins Bay, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• GPS Coordinates: 44.232678, -76.616889
• Depth of Wreck: 30 feet (9 meters)
• Length of Wreck Remnants: 15–30 feet (4.6–9.1 meters, remaining portions)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The North King began its service as the Norseman, a propeller vessel launched in 1864. After being re-registered in 1868, it was converted into a wooden-hulled paddle Steamer and underwent significant rebuilds and operational changes before ending its service life as a steam Barge. Its shallow wreckage now offers an accessible exploration site.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the North King lies in Collins Bay, Ontario, submerged at a shallow depth of 30 feet (9 meters). This shallow resting place makes it accessible to a broad range of divers, from recreational beginners to seasoned explorers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition: The wreck is fragmented and heavily deteriorated, with portions of the structure visible above the lakebed.

Accessibility: The shallow depth of 30 feet makes it easily accessible to recreational divers, including those with basic certifications. The location in Collins Bay often has calm conditions, making it an ideal site for exploration.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to this wreck, but divers should exercise caution to preserve the site and ensure safety.

The North King’s wreck at such a shallow depth offers a rare and approachable opportunity to experience maritime history. Its remains are a reminder of the industrial evolution and the ingenuity that characterized the Great Lakes trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This site is not only a dive into history but an accessible adventure for divers of all skill levels.