SHIPWRECK REPORT: OAKVILLE Rum Runner

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Name: Oakville Rum Runner
• • Type: Pleasure Boat
• • Dimensions: 30 feet in length
• • Depth: 75 feet (24 meters)
• • Location:
• • City: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
• • Waterbody: Lake Ontario
• • Coordinates: N 43° 25.217’ W 79° 39.726’
• • Construction:
• • Material: Wood
• • Twin V8 engines
• • Speedboat-style design with a raked windshield

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Oakville Rum Runner is a sleek 30-foot pleasure boat designed for speed and maneuverability. Its twin V8 engines provided substantial power, making it capable of high-speed performance. The Hull design and raked windshield are characteristic of mid-20th-century speedboats, often associated with recreational and leisure boating.

HISTORY

Nicknamed the “Oakville Rum Runner,” the vessel’s design and power evoke the style of boats used during the Prohibition era to smuggle alcohol. Although no definitive historical evidence links this boat to rum-running, the discovery of a rum bottle in the nearby silt has fueled speculation about its possible involvement in illicit activities.

The boat’s exact history remains unclear, with no documented records of ownership or operation. Its condition suggests mid-20th-century use, possibly for recreational purposes or as a utility vessel.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Oakville Rum Runner now rests in 75 feet of water off the coast of Oakville in Lake Ontario. The vessel is largely intact, with visible features including:

• Twin V8 engines: Still accessible through open hatches.

• Fuel tanks: Located below a large Stern access hatch.

• Bow cabins: Featuring a large round hatch.

The circumstances of its sinking remain unknown. Possible causes include mechanical failure, abandonment, or adverse weather conditions.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• No Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs): No specific advisories are associated with this wreck.

• Diver Safety:

• Exercise caution due to potential boat traffic in the area.

• Visibility may vary depending on lake conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has been a well-known site for local divers in the Oakville area. Its exact discovery date is undocumented, but it remains a popular destination for recreational exploration.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition:

• The wreck is well-preserved and structurally intact, making it a fascinating dive site for recreational divers.

• Key features such as engines, fuel tanks, and cabins are easily explored.

• Accessibility:

• Suitable for experienced recreational divers due to its moderate depth of 75 feet (24 meters).

• The site is located near another wreck, the “Two Bits,” approximately 100 feet from the bow, adding further interest for divers.

• Visibility:

• Conditions vary seasonally, so divers should prepare for reduced Visibility at times.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Nearby Wrecks:

• Two Bits: Located just 100 feet from the bow of the Oakville Rum Runner.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• The Oakville Wrecks – Warren Lo Photography:

Documentation of the Oakville Rum Runner and nearby wrecks.

• Liquid Archaeology:

Underwater footage of the wreck site.

• Local Dive Shops & Charters:

Organize trips to the Oakville Rum Runner site.

CONCLUSION

The Oakville Rum Runner is a fascinating dive site that combines historical intrigue and accessibility for recreational divers. Its proximity to another wreck, the “Two Bits,” adds to its appeal, offering divers a glimpse into Lake Ontario’s underwater heritage.

KEYWORDS

#OakvilleRumRunner #LakeOntario #Shipwreck #WreckDiving #ProhibitionEraBoats #RecreationalDiving