Here is the structured and formalized entry for the Caroline Rose Schooner:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Caroline Rose

•Type: Schooner

•Length: 39.6 m (132 ft)

•Depth: 16.5 m (55 ft)

•Location: Driftwood Cove, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

•Site Status: Artificial Reef; partially damaged due to storm impact

HISTORY

The Caroline Rose, a three-masted Schooner built in 1940 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, has a storied past. Initially a working ship, it gained fame alongside its sister ship, the Bluenose, appearing on the back of the old Canadian $100 bill, highlighting its cultural and maritime significance.

Key Events:

•1955: Purchased and relocated to Owen Sound, Ontario, where it was used for a few charters.

•Mid-20th Century: Plans to repurpose the ship as a floating restaurant fell through, and it eventually sank in the harbor when the Bilge pump failed due to unpaid utility bills.

•1990: A group of divers and local businesspeople purchased the Caroline Rose for $1. The ship was towed to Driftwood Cove and deliberately sunk, creating one of North America’s first artificial reefs.

•Post-Sinking: A storm later dragged the wreck hundreds of feet inshore, causing extensive damage. Despite this, much of the ship and numerous artifacts remain intact and accessible for divers.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Caroline Rose now rests at the mouth of Driftwood Cove in Georgian Bay. Although damaged by a powerful storm, it remains an intriguing dive site and a historical artifact of Canadian maritime heritage.

DIVING THE CAROLINE ROSE

Diving the Caroline Rose offers a unique opportunity to explore a vessel steeped in history.

Key Features:

•A concrete block adorned with tools and salvaged items from the ship marks the dive site.

•The propellers and rudder lie flat on the sandy seabed, with surrounding artifacts such as pulleys, cables, and pipes scattered nearby.

•Thick ropes, tanks, and a spare propeller add to the array of objects that divers can explore.

•Despite storm damage, the wreck retains its stem, rudder, and significant portions of its wooden structure, providing a snapshot of its former glory.

The site serves as both an Artificial Reef and a historical dive experience, bridging the gap between natural and cultural exploration.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the Caroline Rose wreck site. Divers should ensure they are aware of local conditions and guidelines for visiting the site.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck lies at Driftwood Cove in Georgian Bay, where it was deliberately sunk in 1990 as an Artificial Reef. The subsequent storm damage altered its position and structure, but the site remains accessible.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Parks Canada

•Tobermory Diving

•Toronto Diver

•Wrecks and Reefs

•YouTube: Videos documenting the Caroline Rose dive site

KEYWORDS

Caroline Rose, Schooner, Driftwood Cove, Georgian Bay, Artificial Reef, Canadian Maritime History, Lake Huron Shipwreck, Scuba Diving Site.

ANALYSIS

The Caroline Rose exemplifies the fusion of history and conservation, transitioning from an operational Schooner to a cultural artifact and Artificial Reef. Its legacy, marked by its appearance on Canadian currency and transformation into a dive site, underscores its importance in maritime history. Despite the damage inflicted by a storm, the site continues to captivate divers, offering an immersive experience that blends exploration and heritage. The Caroline Rose serves as a testament to the resilience of maritime initiatives and the enduring allure of the Great Lakes’ underwater treasures.