IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Motor Vessel Felice was a versatile vessel built for the Consolidated Paper Co. of Montreal. At 68 feet in length, the Felice was designed to handle a variety of tasks, including light freight, passenger transport, and mail delivery. It was primarily used for tourist and transportation services to islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including Anticosti and Bonaventure Islands, reflecting its robust construction and adaptability to the challenging conditions of these waters.
HISTORY #
The Felice was a vital vessel that played a significant role in connecting remote island communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with mainland Canada. Launched on May 30, 1955, from the John McLean and Son Shipyard in Mahone Bay, this ship was designed to serve the logistical needs of these isolated areas, providing essential services like freight transport, mail delivery, and passenger transit.
Construction and Early Service #
Built at the John McLean and Son Shipyard in Mahone Bay, the Felice was a testament to the skilled shipbuilding tradition of Nova Scotia. The vessel was constructed for the Consolidated Paper Co., which operated various maritime services in the region. Designed as a multipurpose ship, the Felice was tasked with maintaining a crucial connection between Bonaventure Island, near the famous Perce Rock, and the mainland. This service was essential for the isolated communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the Felice operated not just as a freight carrier, but also as a mail boat and passenger ferry.
The Felice quickly became a lifeline for these remote communities, ensuring that they remained connected with the rest of Canada. The ship’s robust design and reliable operation made it a trusted vessel in the region, navigating the often treacherous waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence with efficiency and dependability.
Operational History #
Throughout its years of service, the Felice became synonymous with reliability. It was instrumental in maintaining the flow of goods and communication between the islands and the mainland, providing a critical link for the residents of Bonaventure Island and the surrounding areas. The vessel’s ability to carry both freight and passengers made it an essential part of the region’s transportation network.
The Felice was not just a ship; it was a symbol of connection and continuity for the isolated communities it served. Whether it was delivering essential supplies or carrying passengers eager to visit the iconic Perce Rock, the Felice was a constant presence in the lives of the people it served.
Final Voyage and Tragic End #
The Felice met its tragic end on a day marked by high winds and rough seas. During its final voyage, the vessel encountered what is believed to be an engine overheating issue, which led to smoke below decks. Recognizing the imminent danger, the crew, consisting of three members, including the owner John Little of Ajax, Ontario, quickly fired distress flares.
The distress signals were seen by the Hall Corporation vessel Calgadoc, which was navigating nearby waters. The Calgadoc immediately altered its course by five miles to respond to the call for help. In conjunction with an RCMP patrol boat, the crew of the Calgadoc successfully rescued all three crew members of the Felice.
However, despite the successful rescue operation, the Felice could not be saved. The vessel sank approximately five miles north of Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The loss of the Felice marked the end of an era for the communities it had served so faithfully.
Final Disposition #
The Felice now rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario, a somber reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigate the often unforgiving waters of Canada’s inland seas. While the crew was saved, the sinking of the Felice represented not only the loss of a vessel but also the end of a vital service that had connected remote communities to the wider world for decades.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Felice wreck site. Mariners are advised to check local advisories when navigating near Main Duck Island, especially under adverse weather conditions
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck has not been specifically mentioned as located by any dive or research team. Further exploration may yield more information about the current condition of the wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Eric Gagnon’s Hanley Spur Blog: Hanley Spur Blog (Researching more about the Felice)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Consolidated Paper Co. Historical References: Archive Link
Motor Vessel Felice, Freight Boat, Passenger Boat, Mail Boat, Main Duck Island, Consolidated Paper Co., Lake Ontario Shipwreck, High Winds, Engine Overheating, Maritime Rescue.
Conclusion #
The Felice serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by small vessels operating in the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. Despite its robust design and the vital services it provided, the combination of high winds and mechanical failure led to its untimely sinking. The story of the Felice underscores the importance of quick response times in maritime rescue operations and the bravery of those who conduct them. Continuous research, like that of Eric Gagnon, is crucial for piecing together the full history of vessels like the Felice.
