Identification & Site Information

•Name: Felice

•Type: Freight, Passenger, and Mail Boat

•Length: 68 feet (21 meters)

•Year Built: 1955

•Shipyard: John McLean and Son Shipyard, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

•Port of Registry: Montreal, Canada

•Final Location: Approximately five miles north of Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario

•Depth: Exact depth unknown; presumed moderate based on location

•Site Status: Submerged; precise condition undetermined

Vessel Type Description

The Felice was a versatile multipurpose vessel designed for light freight, passenger transport, and mail delivery. At 68 feet, its robust construction made it capable of navigating the often challenging waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and later Lake Ontario. Its design reflected the shipbuilding expertise of the John McLean and Son Shipyard, renowned for producing durable and reliable vessels.

History

Construction and Early Service

Launched on May 30, 1955, the Felice was built for the Consolidated Paper Co. of Montreal. Its role was vital for connecting remote island communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, such as Bonaventure and Anticosti Islands, to the mainland. It carried freight, passengers, and mail, ensuring isolated areas maintained ties with the rest of Canada.

Operational History

The Felice became synonymous with reliability in providing transportation and logistical services. Whether ferrying supplies or tourists eager to visit iconic destinations like Perce Rock, the vessel was indispensable to the communities it served.

Final Voyage and Tragic End

The Felice’s final voyage ended tragically during a day of high winds and rough seas. A suspected engine overheating issue caused smoke to billow below decks, prompting the crew to fire distress flares.

The nearby Hall Corporation vessel Calgadoc responded to the call for help alongside an RCMP patrol boat, successfully rescuing all three crew members, including the owner, John Little of Ajax, Ontario. Despite their best efforts, the Felice sank approximately five miles north of Main Duck Island, ending its service life.

Final Disposition

The Felice rests at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Ontario, a poignant symbol of the perils faced by small, hardworking vessels. The loss marked the end of a vital service that connected remote communities to broader Canadian networks.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific NOTMARs are currently associated with the Felice wreck site. Mariners navigating near Main Duck Island should exercise caution, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Felice has not been definitively located or documented by research or diving teams. Further exploration could uncover more about the vessel’s current state and location.

Resources & Links

•Eric Gagnon’s Hanley Spur Blog: Insights into regional maritime history

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive resource on Great Lakes vessels

•Consolidated Paper Co. Historical References: Archival information on the company and its vessels

Analysis

The Felice’s history exemplifies the crucial role small vessels played in sustaining remote communities. Its tragic end highlights the risks associated with maritime operations, particularly under challenging conditions. While the vessel is no longer active, its legacy lives on as a testament to the resilience of maritime crews and the importance of their work in connecting isolated regions.

Keywords

Felice, Main Duck Island, Freight Boat, Passenger Boat, Mail Boat, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Consolidated Paper Co., Engine Overheating, Maritime Rescue, 1955 Vessel.

Conclusion

The Felice represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its dedication to connecting remote communities underscores the importance of small vessels in Canada’s transportation history. Although it lies beneath the waves, the Felice continues to be a story of resilience, service, and the ever-present challenges of navigating the Great Lakes.