Site Description #
- Schooner
- 39.6 m (132 ft) Lengths
- Depths 16.5 m (55 ft)
- Driftwood Cove, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
History #
Resting at the mouth of Driftwood Cove in Georgian Bay, the CAROLINE ROSE, a three-masted schooner, holds a fascinating story within its sunken remains. Built in 1940 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the ship has had a storied past, including being featured on the back of the old Canadian $100 bill alongside its sister ship, the BLUE NOSE. Although the CAROLINE ROSE met a tragic fate due to a storm, it remains a popular dive site, offering divers a chance to explore its artifacts and experience a piece of maritime history.
Originally purchased in 1955 and brought to Owen Sound, the CAROLINE ROSE initially found use in a few charters. However, plans to transform the vessel into a restaurant fell through, and it eventually languished in the harbor. When the owner failed to pay the hydro bill, cutting off electricity and disabling the bilge pump, the ship sank to the bottom of the harbor. With water levels dropping, the wreck became a hazard to other boats, necessitating its removal.
In 1990, a group of passionate divers and local businesspeople stepped in, purchasing the CAROLINE ROSE for a symbolic $1. They saw an opportunity to repurpose the ship and decided to tow it to Driftwood Cove. The sinking of the CAROLINE ROSE marked one of the first artificial reef programs in North America. The ship’s location was chosen with the intention of creating an underwater oasis for divers to explore.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans for the CAROLINE ROSE, a powerful storm struck, dragging the wreck hundreds of feet inshore and causing extensive damage. Despite the wreckage, substantial sections of the ship and numerous artifacts still remain, providing divers with an intriguing underwater adventure.
Diving the CAROLINE ROSE #
Diving the CAROLINE ROSE offers a glimpse into the ship’s rich history and the maritime heritage of the region. Descending along the mooring line, divers encounter a concrete block adorned with various tools and pieces salvaged from the wreck. The view from the block unveils the propellers and the rudder lying flat on the sandy seabed. Exploring further, divers encounter a scattered assortment of pulleys, cables, instruments, pipes, and electrical wiring, serving as a testament to the vessel’s former functionality.
Despite the damage caused by the storm surge, the main portion of the wreck is surrounded by large square boards resting atop the sandy bottom. Thick ropes curl and knot off the starboard side, while tanks and a spare propeller await discovery. Diving enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the history of the CAROLINE ROSE, observing its impressive stem, rudder, and propeller while exploring the remnants of a bygone era.
The CAROLINE ROSE, once a vibrant schooner, now lies submerged in Driftwood Cove, offering divers an opportunity to connect with its maritime heritage. Despite the challenges it has faced, including the storm-induced wreckage, the CAROLINE ROSE stands as a testament to the resilience of both the vessel itself and the dedicated individuals who transformed it into an artificial reef. For divers seeking a captivating underwater adventure and a glimpse into the past, the CAROLINE ROSE remains a compelling dive site, bridging the gap between history and the deep sea.
