WOLFE ISLANDER II C157269

OTTAWA MAYBROOK

The WOLFE ISLANDER, a ferry vessel, was built in Collingwood, Ontario, in 1946. Constructed by the Collingwood Shipbuilding Co, it was commissioned by the Minister of Highways and served as a passenger and auto ferry. The ferry was constructed with a steel hull and had a length of 144.25 feet, a beam of 43 feet, and a depth of 8 feet. With a gross tonnage of 404, it was designed to transport passengers and vehicles across waterways.

In 1975, the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company constructed a new ferry named WOLFE ISLANDER III, which became the primary vessel for the Kingston-Wolfe Island service operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications. As a result, the previous WOLFE ISLANDER (III) was designated as a spare boat for the route. Eventually, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston acquired the older ferry for a nominal fee of one dollar. The museum intended to place the vessel on the old Kingston drydock, where it would be opened for public display, featuring onboard exhibits. WOLFE ISLANDER (III) had the official number C.157269 and measured 144.3 x 43.1 x 8.0 feet, with a gross tonnage of 404 and a net tonnage of 206. Originally built as a coastal freighter named OTTAWA MAYBROOK in 1945-46 at Collingwood (Hull 135), it was quickly converted into a ferry for the Wolfe Island run.

Over the years, the WOLFE ISLANDER experienced various events and challenges. In 1947, it encountered difficulties due to high water, making loading operations challenging. A fire broke out onboard while the ferry was docked in 1947. In 1950, it was reported as missing as it weathered a storm near Quebec Head in the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, the ferry faced challenges with high water and became stuck in ice in 1951. However, passengers were safely transferred to the SALVAGE PRINCE, and the sled carrying the vehicles went through the ice, but everyone was saved.

Residents of Wolfe Island began sounding the alarm for a new ferry in 1960, recognizing the need for an updated vessel. In 1973, the ownership of the ferry transferred to the Minister of Transportation & Communications. Aids on a bubbler system were installed in 1975 to assist with the vessel’s operation. By 1976, the WOLFE ISLANDER became a backup vessel for the newly built WOLFE ISLANDER III. In 1980, ownership shifted to the Minister of Transportation & Communications for the Province of Ontario. Finally, in 1984, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes took ownership of the ferry, and in 1985, it was scuttled and abandoned in place under the Comet Foundation.

Exploring the interior of the vessel, divers could access the salon on the port side, leading to the main deck where vehicles were typically parked. An added feature to demonstrate its past cargo was the placement of a motorcycle. From there, a nearby doorway would lead divers to the engine room, cautioning that only experienced divers with proper training should proceed. Catwalks and piping guided divers through the depths of the engine room to the engine mounts located at a depth of 75 feet. An “elevator” shaft near the port rail allowed access to the top deck. Along the port side, divers could find portholes, some of which had been liberated by previous divers, displaying logos and names of supporting organizations. Continuing the dive, the ship’s name and registry port could be found just around the corner.

Photo Gallery 2022 Matthew Charlesworth CC #

Photo Gallery 2010 Tom Rutledge CC #

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Photo Gallery Tom Rutledge/Adam Rushton 2000 #

From the log book of Spike #

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