- Tugboat
- 50ft
- Still Missing
- 30 Mile Point
The history of the vessel known as W. A. C. 5, later renamed Auburnville, is marked by various events and changes. In 1944, the vessel was built at Owen Sound, Ontario, and initially served under the name W. A. C. No. 5. It was part of a group of Canadian war vessels building and projected by the Naval Service Headquarters during the period of 1943 to 1945.
After the war, the surplus ship was sold, along with other tugs Glendower and Roseville, to Marine Industries Ltd. based in Montreal, Quebec. In 1947, the vessel was officially renamed Auburnville. It was registered at Halifax and owned by National Gypsum (Canada) Ltd., located in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. The ship’s specifications were recorded as 37 feet 5 inches in length, 10 feet 5 inches in width, and 4 feet 8 inches in depth. With a gross tonnage of 11 and a net tonnage of 7, it was equipped with a 93 horsepower engine.
However, tragedy struck on May 31, 1962, when the Auburnville met its demise. The vessel sank off 30 Mile Point in Lake Ontario, west of Rochester, New York. Its sinking position was noted at approximately 43 degrees 32 minutes north latitude and 78 degrees 33.8 minutes west longitude. This unfortunate event brought an end to the vessel’s journey.
The W. A. C. 5, later renamed Auburnville, had a notable history as a war vessel and later as a commercial ship. Its service and ultimate sinking serve as reminders of the risks and challenges faced by vessels navigating the waters of the Great Lakes.
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