IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Manola was a steel bulk freighter built in 1890 by the Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio. Designed primarily for the iron ore trade on Lake Superior, the vessel was a significant workhorse of the Great Lakes fleet. It was equipped with a triple expansion steam engine that generated 1,200 indicated horsepower, making it a powerful and reliable vessel. The Manola featured three masts and was outfitted with electric lighting by 1921, demonstrating the technological advancements in maritime engineering during its operational years.
HISTORY #
The Manola had a distinguished career on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting iron ore between ports. Over its lifetime, the vessel underwent several significant modifications and ownership changes. After running aground in 1894, the Manola was extensively repaired, including the replacement of 15 hull plates in 1895. By 1901, it had become part of U.S. Steel’s fleet under the Pittsburgh Steamship Co.
In 1918, the Manola was sold to the U.S. Shipping Board and modified for saltwater service, a transformation that included being cut in half to navigate the St. Lawrence Canals. However, on December 3, 1918, while under tow by the tug Michigan, the forward section of the Manola tragically sank west of Main Duck Island, resulting in the loss of 11 or 12 lives.
The stern section was later purchased by the Montreal Transportation Co., reconstructed, and renamed Mapledawn after its sale to Canada Steamship Lines in 1920. The Mapledawn was lengthened in 1923 and continued to serve on the Great Lakes until it met its end during a snowstorm in Georgian Bay on November 30, 1924.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Manola, later renamed Mapledawn, was wrecked on November 30, 1924, in 20 feet of water near Christian Island in Georgian Bay. The vessel was carrying a cargo of barley from Fort William to Midland, Ontario, when it was overtaken by a snowstorm. While salvage operations managed to recover some of the cargo and machinery, much of the hull was scrapped in 1942.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Manola wreck site. However, mariners and divers exploring the area should stay informed of local advisories, as submerged wreckage can pose hazards.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The specific details of the wreck’s discovery and documentation are not provided, but it remains a well-known site among divers and maritime historians. Further exploration may provide additional insights into the wreck’s condition and history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Canadian Shipping Archives: Canadian Shipping Archives
Manola, Mapledawn, Propeller Ship, Steam Screw, Iron Ore Trade, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1918 Shipwreck, Canada Steamship Lines.
Conclusion #
The Manola’s story is a vivid example of the industrial evolution and the inherent risks faced by ships operating on the Great Lakes. From its role in the iron ore trade to its transformation for saltwater service, and eventually its tragic wreck, the Manola exemplifies the technological advancements and the unpredictable dangers of maritime operations in the early 20th century. The subsequent reconstruction and eventual wreck of the Mapledawn highlight the resilience of Great Lakes shipping and the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
