Wreck Report: TRUE NORTH II

1. Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: TRUE NORTH II

• Vessel Type: Glass-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg Tour Boat

• Location: Georgian Bay, off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario, Canada

• Date of Sinking: June 16, 2000

• Length: 10.6 meters (approximately 35 feet)

• Final Disposition: Sank during a tour in rough weather conditions.

2. Vessel Type Description

The TRUE NORTH II was a glass-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg tour boat, designed for excursions in calm, scenic waters. Its purpose was to provide tourists with a unique underwater view, particularly of the Fathom Five National Marine Park’s marine life and historic shipwrecks. Such vessels are typically not equipped for severe weather, prioritizing passenger comfort and clear Visibility over ruggedness and seaworthiness in adverse conditions.

3. History

On June 16, 2000, the TRUE NORTH II set out from Tobermory on a routine tour, carrying 13 students who had completed an overnight field trip to Flowerpot Island. Despite warnings of near gale-force winds and rain, the captain proceeded with the voyage, a decision that would later face intense scrutiny.

As the tour progressed, the worsening weather overwhelmed the vessel. The boat began to take on water, and despite efforts to control the situation, the TRUE NORTH II quickly sank. Two students, Wade Simmons and Henrike Foerster, tragically lost their lives, while the remaining passengers managed to swim to shore. The absence of lifejackets on the passengers significantly worsened the situation and highlighted critical safety failures.

4. Final Disposition

The sinking of the TRUE NORTH II was ruled an accident, but it prompted a formal inquest into the causes and circumstances. Key findings included:

• Failure to adhere to weather warnings.

• Inadequate lifejacket provision and their lack of use during the voyage.

• Gaps in tour boat operator regulations and safety training.

The inquest led to enhanced regulations for tour operators, particularly regarding passenger safety, mandatory lifejacket use, and stricter operational guidelines under adverse weather conditions.

5. Located By & Date

The wreck of the TRUE NORTH II is known to lie off Tobermory in Georgian Bay, though it has not been designated as an official dive site due to the tragic circumstances surrounding its loss.

6. NOTMARs & Advisories

• Hazards: Georgian Bay is known for its rapidly changing weather. Mariners must heed weather advisories and ensure that all safety equipment is functional and accessible.

• Regulations: Enhanced enforcement of safety standards has been implemented for Passenger Vessels, particularly those used in educational and tourist contexts.

7. Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck is presumed intact but remains undisturbed, with no active diving activities allowed due to the incident’s tragic outcome.

• Accessibility: Not accessible to the public; it serves as a solemn reminder of the event.

8. Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• News Coverage: Inquest proceedings and safety improvements following the incident are well-documented in Canadian news archives.

9. Additional Notes

The tragedy of the TRUE NORTH II highlighted critical gaps in the marine tour industry’s safety protocols. Its sinking serves as a lesson in the importance of respecting weather conditions and ensuring all safety measures are rigorously followed, especially when carrying vulnerable passengers such as students.

10. Conclusion

The sinking of the TRUE NORTH II stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of Great Lakes weather and the critical need for adherence to safety protocols. While the incident resulted in tragic loss, it led to improved safety regulations and heightened awareness about the risks of navigating the Great Lakes under adverse conditions.

Tags

• TRUE NORTH II

• Georgian Bay

• Tobermory

• Glass-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg Boat

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• Maritime Tragedy

• Boat Safety

• Great Lakes History