MANASOO C93932

5 min read

Other Names:

MACASSA

Steamer
Depths 210ffw 70m
Length 155ft 50m
Griffith Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

- Number of Masts: 2
- Propulsion: Screw
- Engine Type: Triple Expansion
- Number of Cylinders: 6
- Number of Boilers: 1
- Number of Propellers: 2
- Propulsion Notes:
  - Equipped with two 11 + 18 + 29 x 22″ 410 hp engines by William Kemp, Glasgow, Scotland.
  - Featured a 12’6″ x 10’9″ Scotch boiler by Burnett & Co, Govan, Scotland.
- Length: 154.45 feet
- Beam: 24.1 feet
- Depth: 16.3 feet
- Tonnage (Gross): 459.06
- Tonnage (Net): 164.46

The story of tMANASOO, is a compelling tale of maritime innovation, adventure, and tragedy. This steamer’s journey began in Scotland, traversed the Atlantic to Canada, and ultimately ended in the depths of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. Throughout its 40-year service, the ship underwent significant transformations and witnessed both prosperous and perilous times.

The steamer Macassa was officially registered in Glasgow, Scotland. Constructed by William Hamilton & Co., the vessel was designed as a steel-hulled, screw-driven steamer with twin screws powered by two triple-expansion engines. With a length of 155 feet, a beam of 24.1 feet, and a depth of 16.3 feet, the ship’s tonnage was measured at 574 gross and 459 net. These specifications made the Macassa an impressive sight on the Clyde during her trials .

On June 29, 1888, Under the command of Captain Charles B. Hardy, the Macassa sailed from Glasgow and crossed the Atlantic under her own power, arriving in Hamilton, Ontario. She was registered in Hamilton and enrolled as C.93932, marking the beginning of her service in Canadian waters .

From 1888-1912 She wasOperated by the Hamilton Steamboat Company, the Macassa was a staple of the Toronto-Hamilton route, frequently carrying passengers to Niagara River ports and enhancing regional connectivity. The vessel’s slender hull and graceful design made her a favorite among passengers .

Then a rebuild at Collingwood, 1905. To compete with newer ships, the Macassa was lengthened by 24 feet at Collingwood, Ontario. This extension increased her gross tonnage to 529 and net tonnage to 234, allowing her to carry more passengers and cargo . However, this modification also affected the ship’s stability, a factor that would later contribute to her tragic fate .

1911-1913: Ownership Changes

1911 The Niagara Navigation Company acquired the Macassa, operating her on routes between Toronto and Niagara River Ports, enhancing regional transportation .
1912 Ownership changed to Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Co., and the vessel served routes including Cobourg, Port Hope, Bowmanville, Oshawa, and Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition .
1913:** The ship became part of the Canadian Steamship Lines, contributing to trade across the Great Lakes .

1927-1928: The Final Transformation

Finishing the 1927 The Macassa began touring around Toronto Harbor and operated on the Toronto to Hamilton route, becoming an integral part of local tourism and transportation . Then the Owen Sound Transportation Company purchased the vessel, renamed her **Manasoo**,in 1928 and made further modifications, including extending the accommodations on the upper deck to the full beam. These changes made her suitable as a night boat but compromised her stability .

September 14, 1928: Departure from West Bay

The Manasoo, captained by John McKay, departed West Bay on Manitoulin Island on a seemingly routine voyage back to Owen Sound. On board were 21 crew members, two cattle drovers, and a cargo of 116 head of cattle . As the ship sailed through Georgian Bay, a sudden storm brewed, causing the vessel to become sluggish and unresponsive . The on September 15, 1928: Disaster Strikes, Early Morning. As the Manasoo approached Griffith Island, water flooded the engine room, extinguishing the fires and rendering the engines powerless. Attempts to lower the lifeboats were only partially successful. The ship soon capsized and sank stern-first into the depths of Georgian Bay .

Casualties, Tragically, 16 of the 21 people on board perished, along with all cattle. The steamer **Manitoba** discovered and rescued five survivors, including Captain McKay, who clung to a raft for 60 hours in near-freezing temperatures . The survivors’ harrowing ordeal highlighted the perilous nature of maritime travel at the time.

Investigation and Aftermath An inquiry was ordered by the Dominion Wreck Commissioner, Capt. L. A. Demers, found that the ship’s loss resulted from poor stowage, indifference, neglect, and carelessness by those in charge. The certificates of Captain John McKay and O.S. Long, the first officer, were canceled .The loss of the Manasoo was a significant event in Canadian maritime history. Her sinking serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in early 20th-century maritime travel. The story of the Macassa/Manasoo remains a subject of fascination for maritime historians and shipwreck enthusiasts.

Discovery of the Wreck 2018: The Finding of the Manasoo

In 2018, the wreck of the Manasoo was discovered off Griffith Island in Georgian Bay by a team led by Jerry Eliason, a well-known shipwreck hunter. The ship was found in remarkable condition, with much of her structure intact, providing valuable insights into her final moments and a poignant connection to her storied past .