Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Wawinet

•Vessel Type: Yacht

•Year Built: 1904

•Builder: Polson Iron Works, Toronto, Ontario

•Final Resting Place: Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates: Exact location upon request

•Depth: Unknown

•Length: Unknown

•Gross Tonnage: 68 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Wawinet was a luxury yacht built in 1904 by Polson Iron Works in Toronto, Ontario. Designed for personal leisure and transportation, it featured a Screw Propulsion system and exemplified early 20th-century yacht craftsmanship. Originally owned by Sir William Mackenzie, a prominent Canadian businessman and railway executive, the yacht was a floating statement of opulence and technological sophistication. Later, it was owned by Bertrand Corbeau of Penetanguishene, Ontario, continuing its service as a pleasure craft.

History

The Wawinet served as a luxury vessel for many years, navigating the scenic waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Initially, the yacht likely hosted Sir William Mackenzie’s business associates and leisure guests, reflecting his status as a leading figure in Canadian industry. In its later years, under the ownership of Bertrand Corbeau, the yacht maintained its reputation as a beloved pleasure craft, cherished for its comfort and reliability.

Final Disposition

On September 21, 1942, the Wawinet embarked on a fateful voyage, returning to Penetanguishene from Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay. Aboard were 42 passengers and crew members, including Bertrand Corbeau and his colleagues from the Midland Foundry and Machine Company. As the yacht maneuvered suddenly, it heeled sharply, causing water to flood through its lower windows. Within just two minutes, the Wawinet sank beneath the waves.

The disaster claimed the lives of 25 individuals, including Bertrand Corbeau. 17 survivors managed to escape the sinking yacht, their accounts painting a harrowing picture of the tragic accident.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Wawinet wreck.

•Local authorities may provide updates on navigation and diving safety in the area.

Located By & Discovery

The wreck of the Wawinet has not been definitively located or documented. Its precise condition and underwater remains remain unknown, making the site a historical mystery and a potential focus for future exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Wreck Condition: The wreck’s condition is undetermined due to the lack of formal discovery.

•Accessibility: The site is thought to lie near Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay, making it of interest to historians and divers.

•Preservation: Any efforts to explore or recover artifacts must prioritize respect for the site and the lives lost in the tragedy.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and vessel information.

•National Museum of the Great Lakes: Insights into the history of Great Lakes vessels.

•Local News Archives: Contemporary coverage of the 1942 tragedy.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Regional maritime environmental studies.

Conclusion

The Wawinet was a symbol of elegance and leisure, representing a bygone era of luxury yachting on the Great Lakes. Its sudden and tragic end on September 21, 1942, serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of maritime travel, even for well-crafted vessels. The loss of 25 lives, including its owner Bertrand Corbeau, marks the sinking as one of Georgian Bay’s most devastating maritime tragedies. The wreck of the Wawinet, if discovered, would stand as a poignant relic of the event and a testament to the region’s rich but sometimes perilous maritime history.

Keywords

Wawinet, Yacht, Georgian Bay, Beausoleil Island, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Maritime History, Bertrand Corbeau, Sir William Mackenzie, 20th-Century Vessel, Canadian Shipbuilding.