EFFIE MAE

3 min read

Other Names

Ken’s Wreck
BT Double Double

Site Description

Site Map	Site Stat
	Charter Boat 50ffw 16m Depths 40ft 13m lengths Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario N 44’09.785 W 76’34.092 Site Map Corey Phillips – Shotlinediving 2023CC

Site Map

Site Stat

Charter Boat
50ffw 16m Depths
40ft 13m lengths
Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario
N 44’09.785 W 76’34.092

Site Map Corey Phillips – Shotlinediving 2023CC

In the year of Canada’s centennial celebration, a remarkable journey began in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Ken and Lois Jenkins, hailing from Port Credit, Ontario, embarked on a labor of love – the construction of a 40 ft wooden trawler hull. Their vision took shape as they painstakingly built the vessel, pouring their hearts and skills into every plank. Once the partially-built hull was transported to Port Credit, the Jenkins family completed the vessel in their own backyard, bringing their dream to fruition.

Launched in 1968, the vessel was christened the Effie Mae, named after a cherished family member. With her sleek lines and sturdy construction, the Effie Mae quickly became a familiar sight on the waters. However, her destiny was not confined to a traditional fishing role. Around 1980, she broke new ground as the first live-aboard dive charter boat in the Kingston area, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the mysteries beneath the waves.

In 1987, ownership of the Effie Mae passed into the capable hands of Ted and Donna Walker. It was a bittersweet transition as they carried the legacy forward. Tragically, the following year, Ken Jenkins, the vessel’s original builder, succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy of craftsmanship and passion for the sea.

Undeterred by the challenges, Ted and Donna continued to operate the Effie Mae as a thriving dive charter. For several years, the vessel gracefully glided through the waters, transporting adventurers to historic shipwrecks and secret underwater treasures. However, fate had another chapter in store for the Effie Mae.

In 1992, Ted received a transfer out west, leaving the couple with a difficult decision. Unable to find suitable buyers and unwilling to witness their beloved vessel meet an undeserving fate, they made a heartfelt choice. The Effie Mae was generously donated to Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s maritime heritage.

Spring of 1993 marked the final journey of the Effie Mae, as she was guided to the Metal Craft Dry dock. With meticulous care, the vessel was prepared for her ultimate transformation into an artificial reef and dive site. The anticipation grew as the community rallied behind the project, recognizing the significance of preserving this vessel’s legacy for future generations.

On Sunday, October 17, 1993, exactly twenty-five years after her christening, the Effie Mae was gently laid to rest beside the historic wreck of the schooner barge Aloha. A solemn ceremony witnessed her descent into the depths, where she would find a new purpose as a habitat for marine life and a beacon for divers. Local divers, with deep respect and fondness, affectionately dubbed the wreck “Ken’s wreck” in honor of both Ken Jenkins, the original builder, and Ken Mullens, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the Effie’s successful transition to a dive site.

Today, the Effie Mae sits upright beside the schooner barge Aloha, her timeworn wooden frame and weathered charm a testament to her enduring legacy. Divers from far and wide flock to this cherished dive site, immersing themselves in the rich maritime history and the tranquility of the underwater world. The Effie Mae stands as a symbol of dedication, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of those who forged her, forever etching their mark on Canada’s maritime heritage.

The Collapsing of the EFFIE MAE – Matt Charlesworth

The wreck of the EFFIE MAE appears to have suffered significant damage during the off season. It seems as though it was lifted and dropped, resulting in damage to its spine and a cracked keel, which in turn split the hull. From your observation, there was no apparent evidence of anchors or other human interaction that could have caused the collapse.

While it is surprising to see such an impact at a depth of 50 feet, it’s important to consider the recent occurrence of incredible storms. Severe weather conditions can have a significant impact on underwater structures, even in colder, fresh water environments. The forces generated by strong currents, waves, and turbulent conditions can cause substantial damage to submerged objects.

Regardless of the conditions, whether they are cold, fresh water, or otherwise, these sites are not immune to degradation over time. Environmental factors, such as weather events and natural processes, can gradually wear down and deteriorate submerged structures. It serves as a stark reminder that even in seemingly stable conditions, the integrity of underwater sites will eventually diminish.