Movable Oil Rig Barge Translake No. 3 (1958)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Translake No. 3
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: Unregistered (Canada)
• Vessel Type at Loss: Movable oil rig Barge
• Builder: Russell Bros. Marine, Owen Sound, Ontario
• Year Built & Launched: 1958
• • Specifications:
• • Tonnage: 43 tons
• • Date Lost: September 16, 1958
• • Location of Loss: 3.5 miles from Surprise Shoal, southwest Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• • Cause of Loss: Capsized and sank
• • Loss of Life: 1 of 2 crew members
• • Cargo at Time of Loss: Gear and equipment

Vessel Description & Service History

The Translake No. 3 was a small, newly built movable oil rig Barge, constructed in 1958 by Russell Bros. Marine in Owen Sound, Ontario.  Designed for oil exploration or marine construction operations.  Intended for service on Lake Erie, where it was being delivered at the time of its loss.  Had no engine of its own, requiring a tow from another vessel.

Russell Bros. Marine was known for building rugged workboats and barges for industrial use on the Great Lakes and other inland waters. The Translake No. 3 was one of their more unusual vessels, likely designed for oil drilling or marine construction.

Final Voyage & Loss (September 16, 1958)

On September 16, 1958, Translake No. 3 was under tow by the Tug/tender E.D.M. Purvis when it capsized and sankin southwest Georgian Bay, about 3.5 miles from Surprise Shoal.

• The Barge had just been completed and was being delivered to its new owner on Lake Erie.

• While underway, it became unstable and overturned, sinking rapidly.

• One crewman managed to escape onto the E.D.M. Purvis, but another crewman went back for his wallet and was drowned when the rig suddenly went under.

Despite being a brand-new vessel, Translake No. 3 never entered commercial service, making it one of the shortest-lived vessels on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• A salvage assessment was conducted in May 1961, but the rig was never recovered.

• Remains likely still exist at the bottom of Georgian Bay near Surprise Shoal.

Located By & Date Found

• No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck site.

• Potential remains may exist near Surprise Shoal, but no known search efforts have been conducted.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Georgian Bay is known for unpredictable winds and rough waters, making it a challenging area for towing unstable loads like the Translake No. 3.

• Surprise Shoal is a known hazard for vessels, contributing to several other shipwrecks in the region.

• The risk of capsizing for unpowered barges under tow is a well-documented issue on the Great Lakes, often caused by shifting weight, poor ballasting, or wave action.

Resources & Links

• Russell Bros. Marine History: http://www.russellbrothers.ca

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org

Conclusion

The Translake No. 3 was a brand-new movable oil rig Barge, lost before it could even begin service. Capsized in Georgian Bay while under tow in 1958, the vessel remains undiscovered. The tragedy of a crewman drowning while attempting to retrieve personal belongings is a stark reminder of the dangers of maritime work, even in seemingly routine operations.