Shipwreck Report: M/V Albatros IV

1. Identification & Site Information

• Name: M/V Albatros IV

• Type: Tug/Yacht

• Build Year: 1943

• Builder: Palmer & Williams Co., LTD

• Build Location: Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada

• Dimensions:

• Length: 45 feet (13.7 meters)

• Beam: 13 feet (4 meters)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 20.15 tons

• Registered Tonnage: 16.13 tons

• Construction: Carvel-built, single Deck, one mast, straight Stern

• Engine: Gas engine by Kermath MFG Co., Detroit, MI (1944), 6 cylinders, 12-knot speed

• Official Number: C190377

• Signal Letters: 9254-12253

• Final Voyage Date: August 22, 1953

• Wreck Date: August 22, 1953

• Location: Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates: Not specified

• Condition: Burned to the waterline, Hull broke up in position

2. Vessel Type Description

The M/V Albatros IV was a versatile Tug or yacht designed for utility purposes. Its robust carvel-built wooden Hull made it resilient, and its single Deck and mast provided functionality. The 6-cylinder Kermath gas engine installed in 1944 allowed for a speed of 12 knots, making it well-suited for Tug operations or as a private vessel for Lake Ontario.

3. History

The M/V Albatros IV was constructed in 1943, potentially contributing to the wartime maritime industry or post-war regional needs on Lake Ontario. Its sturdy build and efficient propulsion enabled it to perform towing and utility functions or operate as a private yacht.

On August 22, 1953, the vessel tragically met its end in Toronto Harbour. A fire erupted onboard, quickly consuming the vessel down to the waterline. Despite any efforts to salvage it, the M/V Albatros IV’s Hull broke apart at its final resting place. Specifics regarding the fire’s cause, cargo, or loss of life are not recorded.

Following its destruction, the vessel was officially deregistered on October 2, 1953, and declared a Total Loss.

4. Final Disposition

The M/V Albatros IV was destroyed by fire in Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario. The fire reduced the vessel to its waterline, and its remains broke apart. While some remnants may still exist underwater, no significant recovery or preservation efforts have been reported.

5. Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is presumed to be in a highly deteriorated state. The absence of detailed coordinates and documentation limits accessibility for divers or maritime enthusiasts. If any remains persist, they would primarily interest historians or local maritime researchers.

6. Resources & Links

• Library and Archives – Port of Toronto Register

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (MMGL)

7. Tags

• Lake Ontario

• Toronto Harbour

• Wooden Tug

• Maritime Disaster

• Fire Incident

• Great Lakes Shipwreck

8. Analysis

The M/V Albatros IV highlights the multifaceted nature of maritime operations on Lake Ontario during the mid-20th century. Its small yet sturdy construction made it a valuable asset, but its loss underscores the hazards faced by wooden vessels, particularly in the event of onboard fires. Though its history was brief, the vessel contributes to the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping and utility vessels.

The exact location and remnants of the wreck may yet yield insights into the vessel’s construction and final moments, offering a modest but meaningful chapter in the story of maritime history on Lake Ontario.