SHIPWRECK REPORT: ALVA D

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: Alva D
• Type: Steam Propeller Tug, Wooden
• Official Number: 122420
• Home Port: Midland, Ontario, Canada
• Year Built: 1909
• Location: Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
• Builder: Charles Martin
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions: Length: 44 feet (13.4 meters) Beam: 10 feet (3.0 meters) Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 22 tons
• Net Tonnage: 10 tons
• Final Location: “The Monks” area, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Date of Loss: August 22, 1909
• Coordinates: Not provided
• Depth at Wreck Site: Not documented

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Alva D was a small wooden steam Tugboat constructed in 1909, designed specifically for logging operations in the Georgian Bay area. Its compact size and efficient design made it ideal for towing logs through the often treacherous and shallow waters of Lake Huron. Despite its relatively small dimensions and tonnage, the Tug played an essential role in the logging industry, contributing to the region’s economic activities.

HISTORY

The Alva D was built and launched in 1909 by Charles Martin in Penetanguishene, Ontario. It was registered in Midland, Ontario, and primarily served as a logging Tug in Georgian Bay. Its operations were limited but critical, transporting logs to mills or other destinations.

Final Incident – August 22, 1909:

On this date, the Alva D ran aground on the rocks off Mink Rock in Georgian Bay while bound from Penetanguishene. The grounding caused extensive damage, leading to the vessel’s foundering and eventual Total Loss. The specific circumstances of the incident, including the weather conditions or potential human error, are not well-documented. The wreck was later sold to Mary Martin, the wife of the vessel’s builder, Charles Martin. Ownership was briefly transferred to Paul Dupuis of Midland, Ontario, before the vessel was officially Abandoned. The Alva D’s documents were surrendered on April 23, 1910, marking the formal end of its operational history.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Alva D was declared a Total Loss after running aground on the rocks off Mink Rock. The vessel’s remains were sold as a wreck to Mary Martin, and its registration was closed in 1910. The wreck’s exact location remains undocumented, and its condition has not been explored or recorded.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically associated with the Alva D.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck site of the Alva D has not been specifically documented or located based on available information.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the lack of precise details about the wreck site, the condition and accessibility of the Alva D remain unknown. It is unlikely to be of significant interest for diving or exploration due to its age, small size, and limited historical documentation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records and descriptions of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of historical information on vessels, including the Alva D.
• Bowling Green State University Shipwreck Database: Archival records of Great Lakes vessels.

KEYWORDS Alva D Steam Propeller Tug Logging Operations Georgian Bay Lake Huron Shipwreck Wooden Tug Great Lake Maritime History

ANALYSIS

The Alva D was a vital part of Georgian Bay’s early 20th-century logging operations, reflecting the importance of small vessels in regional commerce. Its loss underscores the inherent risks of navigating the shallow and rock-laden waters of the Great Lakes. Despite its brief service, the vessel’s story highlights the challenges of maritime work in the area. While the wreck itself remains undocumented and largely forgotten, the Alva D is a testament to the enduring history of the Great Lakes maritime community.