Shipwreck Report: Steamer ATLANTIC (Formerly MANITOULIN)
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
•Name: ATLANTIC (formerly MANITOULIN)
•Type: Wooden Propeller Steamship
•Builder: John Simpson
•Year Built: 1880
•Location Built: Owen Sound, Ontario
•Dimensions:
•Length: 147 feet (44.8 meters)
•Beam: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
•Tonnage:
•Gross: 683 tons
•Net: 442 tons
•Final Location: Georgian Bay, near Campbell’s Rock and Spruce Rock
•Coordinates: Exact coordinates unavailable
•Depth: Submerged (specific depth not detailed)
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The ATLANTIC, originally the MANITOULIN, was a wooden propeller-driven Steamship primarily serving as a passenger and freight carrier on Georgian Bay. Known for its robust build, the vessel featured a 350-horsepower steeple compound engine from Doty Engine Works and carried supplies, lumber, coal oil, and passengers. Its dual role reflected the versatility of Great Lakes vessels, which often balanced commercial transport with community-oriented excursions.
HISTORY
Construction and Early Years (1880–1882)
•Built in 1880 as the MANITOULIN by John Simpson in Owen Sound, the vessel quickly became a vital part of Georgian Bay’s maritime operations. Its routes connected Collingwood with Sault Ste. Marie, supporting the region’s growing economy.
•In May 1882, a devastating fire nearly destroyed the MANITOULIN, resulting in the tragic loss of 25–40 lives. Despite the calamity, the vessel was salvaged and Rebuilt at the Owen Sound Dry Dock Company.
Rebirth as ATLANTIC (1882–1903)
•After reconstruction, the ship was renamed the ATLANTIC and resumed operations with enhanced features:
•Fireproofing measures were added.
•32 staterooms provided improved accommodations.
•A lengthened Hull increased its cargo and passenger capacity.
•For over 20 years, the ATLANTIC transported goods and passengers across Georgian Bay. Its operations ranged from hauling supplies to lumber camps to hosting joyful Sunday School excursions.
Final Voyage and Tragic End
•On November 10, 1903, while en route to Byng Inlet with a cargo of lumber camp supplies, the ATLANTIC encountered a fierce storm near Pancake Islands in Georgian Bay.
•Severe winds and waves caused irreparable damage to the ship. In an attempt to save the vessel, the crew jettisoned cargo and the aft cabin.
•The vessel caught fire during the chaos, resulting in its total destruction. Passengers and crew escaped in lifeboats, and fortunately, no casualties were reported.
•The burning wreck drifted to Campbell’s Rock, where it sank. Today, the wreck rests near Spruce Rock, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation.
FINAL DISPOSITION
•Date of Loss: November 10, 1903
•Cause of Loss: Fire and storm damage
•Condition: Completely destroyed, remnants submerged
•Current Status: Popular dive site near Spruce Rock, Georgian Bay
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the ATLANTIC wreck site. However, divers exploring Georgian Bay should be cautious of weather conditions and underwater hazards in the area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
•The wreck of the ATLANTIC lies submerged near Spruce Rock in Georgian Bay. While much of the wooden structure has deteriorated, the site remains a popular dive destination for its historical significance and intriguing remnants.
•Visibility and water conditions in Georgian Bay can vary, so divers should plan accordingly.
Here are the links associated with the ATLANTIC and MANITOULIN, which provide more context and detailed information about the ship, its history, and its final disposition. These are live and relevant links for your exploration:
Resource Links
1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Explore detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the ATLANTIC:
Maritime History of the Great Lakes
A comprehensive database of historical shipwrecks, including the ATLANTIC:
Information and archives for ships of the Great Lakes, including rebuilds like the MANITOULIN/ATLANTIC:
4.Parry Sound News – Anchor Recovery
Local coverage on artifacts recovered from the ATLANTIC wreck:
5.Diver Trek
Dive site information, including insights into the ATLANTIC wreck:
6.The Globe and Mail
Historical analysis and articles on maritime disasters, including ATLANTIC-related events:
7.YouTube
Dive videos and documentaries featuring the ATLANTIC wreck:
Search “ATLANTIC Wreck” on YouTube
8.Bowling Green State University Archives
Access to Great Lakes shipping and maritime research:
9.Northern Navigation Company History
Historical background on the company that owned the ATLANTIC:
Northern Navigation Co. History
10.Owen Sound Dry Dock and Shipyard Records
Details on the shipyard where the ATLANTIC was Rebuilt:
More Information
Let me know if you need help navigating these resources or accessing specific details!
CONCLUSION
The story of the ATLANTIC—from its early days as the MANITOULIN to its tragic end—encapsulates the resilience and perils of Great Lakes maritime history. The vessel’s transformation following the 1882 fire and its ultimate destruction in 1903 highlight both the ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilding and the unforgiving nature of the region’s waters. Today, the ATLANTIC’s wreck remains a silent witness to the challenges faced by sailors and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Great Lakes vessels.
KEYWORDS
#ATLANTIC #MANITOULIN #GreatLakes #Shipwreck #GeorgianBay #Steamer #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #LakeHuronShipwrecks #NorthernNavigationCo #JohnSimpsonShipbuilder
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