Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Alaska

•Type: Propeller (formerly a Sidewheel Passenger Vessel, later converted to Bulk Freighter)

•Incident Date: Unspecified (caught fire while sheltering from a storm)

•Location: Near Tobermory, Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

•Condition: Total Loss due to fire; vessel destroyed by flames.

Vessel Type Description

The Alaska began her life as a sidewheel passenger vessel, a common design for the early Steamboat era, characterized by paddle wheels mounted on either side of the Hull. This design was later modified as the vessel was converted into a propeller-driven bulk freighter, enabling it to transport large quantities of goods like grain or coal. Sidewheel vessels were initially popular for their speed and maneuverability, but the shift to propeller power improved efficiency and handling, especially under heavy loads.

History

Originally built as a Sidewheel Steamer, the Alaska was designed for passenger service, carrying travelers across the Great Lakes. Over time, as the demand for passenger services decreased and freight transport became more profitable, the vessel was converted to a bulk freighter, with modifications to its cargo hold and propulsion system. The vessel’s versatility allowed it to remain active on the Great Lakes, transitioning from carrying passengers to transporting essential goods across the region.

Final Disposition

The Alaska’s end came while sheltering from a storm near Tobermory, Ontario, a common refuge for vessels caught in the unpredictable weather of Georgian Bay. During its stay, a fire broke out on board, spreading quickly and engulfing the vessel in flames. Efforts to save the Alaska were unsuccessful, and the blaze ultimately destroyed the vessel. The wreck remains in the area near Tobermory, a region well-known for its collection of historic shipwrecks due to the area’s rough waters and rocky shores.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Alaska exist, but Tobermory and the surrounding areas in Georgian Bay are well-known as a challenging navigation area with numerous submerged hazards, including shipwrecks. Boaters should exercise caution when operating in this region.

Located By & Date

The wreck site was known immediately following the fire, as the Alaska was sheltering close to shore near Tobermory. Local divers and historians recognize the area, and the wreck site is potentially accessible for exploration, although the fire damage likely left minimal intact remnants.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the extent of the fire damage, any remains of the Alaska are likely to be fragmented and partially buried or scattered across the lakebed near Tobermory. The site may be accessible to divers, particularly in Georgian Bay’s popular shipwreck areas. However, due to the destruction by fire, structural remnants may be limited, and Visibility can vary due to sediment and weather conditions.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Provides records on Great Lakes vessels, including converted freighters and historical incidents.

•Fathom Five National Marine Park: Fathom Five National Marine Park – A popular destination for divers and maritime history enthusiasts, offering detailed information on Tobermory-area shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Alaska’s Conversion from a sidewheel passenger Steamer to a propeller-driven freighter exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes vessels as needs changed over time. Its tragic loss to fire near Tobermory highlights the risks that remained for even the most versatile vessels. Today, the Alaska‘s story lives on as part of the rich maritime heritage of Georgian Bay, with its wreck site contributing to the region’s shipwreck legacy.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeHuron #GeorgianBay #Tobermory #PropellerVessel #SidewheelSteamer #BulkFreighter #MaritimeHistory #AlaskaShipwreck