IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The M/V Albatros IV was a modestly sized vessel, primarily designed for use as a tug or possibly as a yacht. Built in 1943 during World War II by Palmer & Williams Co., LTD in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the vessel featured a carvel-built wooden hull, a construction method known for its strength and durability. It had a single deck and one mast, with a straight stern, typical of utility vessels of its size. The gas engine installed in 1944, produced by Kermath MFG Co. in Detroit, Michigan, was a robust 6-cylinder engine capable of propelling the vessel at a speed of 12 knots, making it suitable for a range of tasks on Lake Ontario.
HISTORY #
The M/V Albatros IV was launched in 1943, likely serving as a tug or utility vessel on Lake Ontario. The vessel’s build and engine suggest it was well-suited for the operational needs of the time, particularly in assisting other vessels or potentially serving private interests as a yacht. With a gross tonnage of just over 20 tons, it was a relatively small vessel, but its sturdy construction and reliable engine made it an effective workhorse on the lake.
Despite its utility, the M/V Albatros IV‘s history was relatively short-lived. On August 22, 1953, the vessel met a tragic end in Toronto Harbour. A fire broke out onboard, and despite any efforts to save it, the Albatros IV burned to the waterline. The vessel’s hull subsequently broke up in its position, marking the end of its service. The specific cause of the fire remains unclear, as do details concerning any cargo or loss of life. The vessel was officially removed from the registry on October 2, 1953.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The M/V Albatros IV was destroyed by fire on August 22, 1953, in Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario. The fire consumed the vessel down to the waterline, and the remains of the hull broke apart in its final resting place. The loss was significant enough to lead to the closure of its registry, and the vessel was officially declared a total loss. The wreckage likely remains a part of the underwater landscape in Toronto Harbour, though it has not been marked as a prominent dive site.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the M/V Albatros IV is presumed to be in a state of significant disrepair, given that it burned to the waterline and broke apart. The exact coordinates of the wreck are not well-documented, and it is unclear if any remnants of the vessel are accessible for diving or exploration. The site, if identifiable, would likely be of interest primarily to those with a specific historical interest in maritime history or the vessel itself.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Library and Archives – Port of Toronto Register
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (MMGL)
