IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
TOUR BOAT/FLOATING RESTAURANT DESCRIPTION #
The Avalon Voyager 2 began its life as a minesweeper, originally named Twillingate, built in Clarenville, Newfoundland, in 1946. With its robust wooden construction, it measured 136 feet in length, 28 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11.66 feet. The vessel underwent numerous transformations throughout its operational years, including serving as a cargo ship and, eventually, being repurposed as a floating restaurant. Despite these changes, it retained its official number, 177073.
HISTORY #
The vessel’s story started during World War II when it was constructed as a minesweeper. However, the end of the war led to its reassignment to the Canadian government and its completion as a small cargo ship. In 1951, the Twillingate was renamed Thomas V. Hollett, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its life.
In 1967, the vessel was again renamed Avalon Voyager, reflecting its changing roles and ownership. By 1976, it became known as Avalon Voyager 2, after being acquired by Paul Swift. This period saw the vessel transition from its previous roles to that of a floating restaurant, serving the community of Kincardine, Ontario.
On October 31, 1980, while en route to Owen Sound to continue its service as a floating restaurant, the Avalon Voyager 2 struck the bottom near Cape Hurd. The impact caused significant damage, leaving the vessel holed and drifting toward Bonnet Island near Tobermory, Ontario. Despite salvage attempts, the vessel ultimately sank and was declared a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the ship was not carrying any cargo at the time.
The Avalon Voyager 2’s registration was officially closed on March 5, 1981, with a note indicating it had been wrecked. The vessel’s legacy includes its various roles, from a wartime minesweeper to a unique dining experience, and it remains a point of interest in maritime history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Avalon Voyager 2 now rests at the bottom of Georgian Bay, near Cape Hurd. The wreck lies at a relatively shallow depth of 25 feet, making it accessible to divers. Although it has succumbed to the elements, the site serves as a reminder of the vessel’s varied and storied past. The wreckage is scattered, with parts of the hull and other structures visible, providing a tangible link to its history.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Avalon Voyager 2 became a known wreck site shortly after its sinking in 1980. Its location near Cape Hurd makes it a popular site for divers exploring the underwater heritage of Georgian Bay.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Safety Considerations: The wreck is shallow, with depths reaching only about 25 feet, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. However, caution is advised due to potential hazards such as entanglement in debris or sharp objects. Diving should be conducted with respect to the site, ensuring the preservation of the wreck for future visitors.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Bowling Green State University: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- The Scuba News: Website
- Boating Georgian Bay: Website
- Flickr: Avalon Voyager Photos
- Scanner: Tobermory
CONCLUSION #
The Avalon Voyager 2’s journey from a military vessel to a beloved floating restaurant is a story of transformation and resilience. Its final resting place in the clear waters of Georgian Bay offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history. The site is both a memorial to the vessel’s varied service life and a reminder of the ever-changing roles that ships play in the dynamic environment of the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
Avalon Voyager 2, Twillingate, Thomas V. Hollett, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Floating Restaurant, Maritime History, Tobermory, Cape Hurd
