Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: ARABIA
• •Type: Barque (Wooden Barkentine)
• •Location: Tobermory, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• •Coordinates: N 45°18.713’, W 081°40.444’
• •Depth: 100 feet (33 meters)
• •Length: 140 feet (43 meters)

Site Description

The wreck of the ARABIA lies upright and remarkably well-preserved on the lakebed near Echo Island within the Fathom Five Provincial Park. A permanent mooring system provides divers with access points, offering safe entry at both the bow and Stern. Cold, clear waters preserve the vessel, making it a popular site for advanced divers.

Vessel Type Description

The ARABIA, built in 1852 by George Thurston in Kingston, Ontario, was a three-masted wooden Barkentine. At 132 feet in length, with a 26-foot beam and a depth of 12 feet, it was a robust vessel designed for cargo transport. The ARABIA carried bulk goods such as grain and timber throughout the Great Lakes region and occasionally beyond, even reaching English ports. Its efficient design and versatility were typical of mid-19th-century sailing vessels.

History

Construction and Early Service

The ARABIA was launched in 1852 and initially owned by William Nickle & Co. in Montreal. Over the decades, it played a key role in the Great Lakes’ economic activity, carrying timber and grain between major ports. Despite its solid construction, the vessel faced several challenges early in its career:

• 1853: Damaged in a fire in Oswego, New York.
• 1854: Ran ashore in Sodus, New York, but was successfully refloated and returned to service.

Final Voyage

In October 1884, the ARABIA departed Chicago with a cargo of 20,000 bushels of corn, destined for Midland, Ontario. On October 4, 1884, the vessel encountered a fierce gale near Tobermory. Battling the storm, the crew was unable to prevent the ship from foundering. The vessel sank near Echo Island, but all crew members were rescued by a passing Tugboat and brought safely to Wiarton, Ontario.

Discovery

The wreck of the ARABIA was rediscovered in 1971 by Captain Albert Smith, nearly 90 years after it sank. Its excellent condition and accessibility quickly made it a focal point for divers and maritime historians.

Final Disposition

The ARABIA was declared a Total Loss after sinking on October 4, 1884. Its remains now rest upright in Georgian Bay, protected as part of the Fathom Five Provincial Park.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Hazards

•Water Temperature: Cold water conditions, averaging 38°F (3°C), necessitate proper thermal protection for divers.

•Depth: At 100 feet, the wreck is suited for advanced divers with experience in cold-water diving.

Mooring System

•A 500-lb concrete block anchors the mooring line, providing access to the wreck.

•Divers can choose entry points at the bow or Stern, facilitating exploration.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Archive
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Data
• Warren Lo Photography: Stunning imagery of the ARABIA wreck.
• Jeremy Bannister YouTube: Arabia Wreck Dive Footage
• Vlada Dekina: Detailed profiles of Great Lakes wrecks.
• 3DShipwrecks – Arabia

Conclusion

The wreck of the ARABIA is a time capsule of maritime history, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore a remarkably preserved 19th-century sailing vessel. Located in the Fathom Five Provincial Park, the wreck is a testament to the challenges faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes. With its rich history and exceptional condition, the ARABIA continues to be a centerpiece for Great Lakes diving and maritime heritage.

Keywords #Arabia, #Barque, #Shipwreck, #Tobermory, #Georgian Bay, #Fathom Five Provincial Park, #Great Lakes Diving, #Maritime History, #Lake Huron, #Cold Water Wreck.

3D Model

Arabia by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab