Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: M.J. Low
• Other Names: None recorded
• Vessel Type: Wooden Fish Tug
• Date Built: Not documented (likely early to mid-20th century based on type and area usage)
• Builder: LOW (believed to be a local Killarney builder)
• Place Built: Killarney, Ontario
• Dimensions: Not officially documented; estimated length between 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 metres) based on typical fish Tug size in the region
• Registry Number: Unknown
• Owners: Not fully documented; presumed to have served local Killarney fishing operators
• Date Lost: 1951
• Final Location: Portage Bay, Northwest of Killarney, Georgian Bay
• Coordinates: 45°59.461’N, 81°31.710’W
• Depth of Wreck: 20 metres (65 feet)

Vessel Type

Wooden Fish Tug

Fish tugs were workhorses of the Great Lakes fishing fleet, specifically designed for commercial fishing operations. Built tough to handle both open water and nearshore conditions, these vessels featured sturdy hulls and powerful engines, originally steam-powered and later often converted to diesel.

The M.J. Low, built locally in Killarney, was part of the lifeblood of the region’s fishing industry, helping deliver fresh fish to market and connecting remote fishing grounds to the local economy.

History

The M.J. Low was a locally built and operated wooden fish Tug, serving the Killarney area’s fishing fleet for years before being scuttled in 1951. Scuttling (deliberate sinking) was a common practice when vessels outlived their usefulness — instead of scrapping, they were sunk in sheltered bays where they often became accidental dive sites or artificial reefs.

Portage Bay, where the M.J. Low rests today, was a natural choice for her final resting place — close to Killarney, accessible to local boats, and protected from the open water of Georgian Bay.

Final Disposition

• Year Scuttled: 1951
• Method: Deliberate scuttling
• Reason: End of service life
• Current Condition:
• Mostly intact Hull
• Sits almost upright on the bottom
• Wheelhouse, boiler, and steam engine are still visible — remarkable survivals after 70+ years underwater

Site Description

The M.J. Low lies in 20 metres (65 feet) of fresh water, making her an excellent intermediate to advanced dive. While the wreck is relatively shallow by technical standards, Visibility in Portage Bay can vary, and temperatures at depth can be chilly.

Key site features include:

• Intact sections of the wooden Hull
• The wheelhouse is partially collapsed but recognizable
• The boiler and steam engine remain visible and are highlights for photographers and wreck historians

Experience Rating

✅ Intermediate to Experienced
While depth is manageable for advanced Open Water divers, the potential for lower Visibility, cooler water, and the need for good buoyancy around the fragile wreck makes this better suited for divers with wreck experience.

Directions to Site

1. Launch from Killarney Harbour.
2. Navigate northwest into Portage Bay.
3. The wreck site lies near the centre of the bay, at approximately 45°59.461’N, 81°31.710’W.
4. GPS highly recommended for locating the site — no permanent mooring exists.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No specific NOTMARs apply directly to this site.
• Seasonal boat traffic in Portage Bay can be heavy, especially during summer months.
• A dive flag is mandatory, especially for surface support vessels.

Located By & Date Found

• This site has been known to local divers for decades, but no formal archaeological discovery record exists.
• First documented in local diver logs in the late 1980s.
• The site was re-surveyed and GPS-positioned by regional dive clubs in the early 2000s.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Depth: 20 metres (65 feet)
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Visibility: Variable — typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres (15 to 33 feet)
• Bottom Composition: Silt and sand, easily stirred if divers aren’t careful
• Hazards: Minimal current, but cold water below the thermocline is common.
• Recommended Gear: 7mm wetsuit or drysuit, primary light for interior inspection.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks – Georgian Bay
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – Bowling Green State University
• Killarney Mountain Lodge – Launch Info

Conclusion

The M.J. Low is a classic example of Great Lakes fishing heritage, preserved almost accidentally by her 1951 scuttling. Today, she’s a beautifully accessible mid-depth dive, combining historical interest with photographic opportunities thanks to her exposed machinery and recognizable wheelhouse.

For divers visiting the Killarney area, she’s an essential stop — a chance to dive into the working history of Georgian Bay’s fishing fleet.

Keywords & Categories

M.J. Low, Fish Tug, Killarney Shipwreck, Portage Bay, Georgian Bay Shipwreck, Great Lakes Commercial Fishing, Wooden Tug, Canadian Maritime History, Historical Diving Sites, Intermediate Dive Sites, Ontario Shipwrecks