WOLFE ISLANDER II C157269

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Wolfe Islander II was originally built as the Ottawa Maybrook, a coastal freighter constructed by the Collingwood Shipbuilding Company in Collingwood, Ontario, in 1946. The vessel was initially intended to be part of an economic aid package to China following World War II, but the plan was canceled, leading to the ship being repurposed as a passenger and auto ferry. It was outfitted to serve the Wolfe Island route, replacing the aging Thomas Fawcett.

With its steel hull and screw propulsion system, the Wolfe Islander II had a robust design suitable for the Great Lakes’ demanding conditions. The ferry could carry up to 16 cars and a significant number of passengers, making it a vital transportation link between Kingston, Ontario, and Wolfe Island.

HISTORY #

• Construction and Launch: Built in 1946 by the Collingwood Shipbuilding Company, the vessel was repurposed as a car ferry and renamed Wolfe Islander II. It replaced the Thomas Fawcett, which had been in service since 1904.

• Service Challenges: The ferry faced numerous challenges during its operational years, including high water levels that complicated loading operations in 1947 and a fire outbreak while docked that same year. In 1950, the Wolfe Islander II was caught in a severe storm near Quebec Head, leading to dramatic rescue efforts. Another notable incident occurred in 1951 when the ferry became stuck in ice, necessitating the rescue of passengers.

• Replacement and Retirement: As Wolfe Island’s population grew and the demand for more modern ferry services increased, the Wolfe Islander III was constructed in 1975 to replace the Wolfe Islander II. The older vessel was relegated to a backup role before being retired in 1980.

• Final Disposition: In 1984, the Wolfe Islander II was sold to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston for one dollar, with the intention of making it an exhibit. However, this plan did not materialize. Instead, on September 21, 1985, the vessel was deliberately sunk near Dawson’s Point off Wolfe Island to create an artificial reef and a scuba diving site.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are related to the site of the Wolfe Islander II‘s wreck.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the Wolfe Islander II is located near Wolfe Island in the St. Lawrence River, with coordinates N44°13.5580′ W76°24.9860′. The site is accessible to divers and has become a popular underwater attraction.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The Wolfe Islander II lies at a depth of 70 feet (24 meters), making it accessible to advanced divers. The wreck is well-preserved, with many features such as the engine room and catwalks still intact. The site is often visited by divers exploring the underwater heritage of the Great Lakes.

Photo Galleries

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Youtube Video by Shotline Diving

Historical Photo Collections

WOLFE ISLANDER sinking 21 Sep 1985 – @Max Pater All Rights Reserved #

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships
• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Wolfe Islander
• MV Wolfe Islander II – Wikipedia
• Thousand Islands Life Magazine
• Northern Tech Diver – Wayback Machine

KEYWORDS #

Car Ferry, Coastal Freighter, Artificial Reef, Scuba Diving, Great Lakes Maritime History, Wolfe Island, Kingston Ontario, Collingwood Shipbuilding, Maritime Incidents

ANALYSIS #

The Wolfe Islander II played a significant role in the transportation history of Wolfe Island and Kingston, Ontario. Its conversion from a coastal freighter to a car ferry was a testament to the adaptability of ship design in response to changing transportation needs. The vessel’s service was marked by numerous challenges, including natural hazards like storms and ice, which highlighted the difficulties of ferry operations in the Great Lakes region. The decision to scuttle the ferry as an artificial reef has allowed it to continue serving a purpose, providing a unique diving experience and contributing to the local marine ecosystem. The Wolfe Islander II remains an important piece of Canadian maritime history, both as a vessel that served the community and as a preserved wreck that attracts divers from around the world.