Oakville Rum Runner

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Oakville Rum Runner is a 30-foot pleasure boat, a type of vessel commonly used for recreational activities on the water, including speed boating and leisure cruising. Built for speed and agility, this vessel is powered by twin V8 engines, which would have provided the boat with substantial power and speed. The design features a sleek, speedboat-style hull with a raked windshield, indicative of its intended high-speed performance.

HISTORY #

The Oakville Rum Runner, as it has come to be known, likely earned its nickname due to its fast design, reminiscent of boats used during the Prohibition era to smuggle alcohol across borders. The discovery of a rum bottle in the nearby silt further fueled this speculation, although there is no confirmed historical evidence linking this vessel to actual rum-running activities.

This pleasure boat, now resting at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Oakville, serves as a time capsule, preserving elements of its past life. The vessel’s exact history, including its ownership and reason for sinking, remains largely unknown. However, its condition suggests it may have been in use during the mid-20th century.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Oakville Rum Runner lies in 75 feet of water off the coast of Oakville in Lake Ontario. The vessel is well-preserved, with its twin V8 engines still visible through the open hatches. The boat’s stern area reveals a large access hatch with fuel tanks below, while the bow area features cabins and a large round hatch.

The exact circumstances leading to the boat’s sinking remain unclear. It is possible that the vessel was abandoned or sank due to mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other unknown factors.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck. Divers should be cautious of lake conditions and any boat traffic in the area when exploring the site.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck has been known to local divers for some time and is a popular site for exploration. The specific date of discovery is not well-documented, but it has been identified and explored by divers in the Oakville area.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The Oakville Rum Runner is an intriguing dive site located at a depth of 75 feet (24 meters). The wreck is accessible to recreational divers, particularly those with some experience in wreck diving. The vessel is largely intact, allowing divers to explore its structure, including the visible engines, fuel tanks, and cabins.

Visibility at the site can vary, so divers should be prepared for different conditions. The proximity of another wreck, the “Two Bits,” approximately 100 feet from the bow of the Oakville Rum Runner, adds to the appeal of this dive site.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• The Oakville Wrecks – Warren Lo Photography: Visual documentation of the Oakville Rum Runner and other wrecks in the area.
• Video – Liquid Archaeology: Underwater footage and exploration of the Oakville Rum Runner wreck.
• Local Dive Shops & Charters: Organize dives to the Oakville Rum Runner site.