Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description
The WAOME, originally built as the MINK in 1912 at Gravenhurst, Ontario, was a wooden steam screw vessel designed primarily for navigation on the lakes. It served as a passenger and cargo steamer, making regular trips across Lake Muskoka. The vessel was powered by a modest 10-horsepower steam engine, which was sufficient for the relatively short and sheltered routes it navigated.
History
Construction and Early Years (1912 – 1934):
The WAOME was constructed at Gravenhurst, Ontario, in 1912 by local shipbuilders. It was built as a steam screw vessel, with its primary role being the transportation of passengers and goods across the Muskoka lakes. Owned by the Muskoka Lakes Navigation & Hotel Co., the WAOME was a familiar sight on Lake Muskoka, serving the area’s burgeoning tourism and logging industries.
Ownership and Name Changes:
Initially named MINK, the vessel was later renamed WAOME, continuing to operate under the ownership of the Muskoka Lakes Navigation & Hotel Co. The WAOME’s primary function remained the same throughout its service life, connecting communities and supporting local industries on Lake Muskoka.
The Final Voyage (October 6, 1934):
On October 6, 1934, the WAOME embarked on what would be its final voyage. Tragedy struck when the vessel sank in Lake Muskoka, resulting in the loss of three lives. The cause of the sinking is not detailed in available reports, but the consequences were devastating for the local community and those connected to the vessel.
Recovery Efforts:
Following the sinking, a recovery operation was organized, led by diver H.E. Poland. Poland’s detailed account of the first dives to the wreck provides a glimpse into the challenges faced during the search for bodies and mail. Poland’s efforts included careful exploration of the wreck, during which he located the body of Rev. Mr. Coxon and began efforts to clear wreckage to search for other victims.
Condition of the Wreck:
The wreck was found resting on its keel with a slight list to starboard. The depth at the stern was approximately 6 to 8 feet greater than at the bow, indicating the vessel had settled unevenly on the lakebed. Visibility was poor during the dives, with only close-up details visible through the diver’s face glass. Despite these challenges, Poland was able to explore the upper and promenade decks, the wheelhouse, and portions of the saloon.
Final Disposition
The WAOME remains on the bottom of Lake Muskoka, where it has become a part of the lake’s underwater history. The vessel lies at a depth of 68 to 72 feet, where it continues to be a point of interest for divers and historians alike.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the WAOME is located at a depth that is accessible to recreational divers with the appropriate training and experience. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of Muskoka’s maritime history. Due to the vessel’s construction and the conditions at the site, divers may still observe significant portions of the wooden structure, including the smokestack, wheelhouse, and possibly the ship’s bell.
Points of Interest:
- Smokestack and Lifeboat: The wreck is notable for its smokestack and the lifeboat, which was found hanging by one set of tackles.
- Wheelhouse and Saloon: Divers may explore the wheelhouse and the saloon, where bodies were recovered during the initial search.
Resources & Links
- Google Maps Location: Link to location on Google Maps
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link to Great Lakes Maritime Resources
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link to David Swayze Shipwreck Resources
Conclusion
The WAOME’s tragic sinking in 1934 marked the end of a vessel that had served the Muskoka lakes for over two decades. Its loss, along with the lives taken in the disaster, remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Ontario. Today, the wreck of the WAOME stands as a testament to the challenges faced by early 20th-century lake steamers and offers a fascinating site for those interested in exploring the underwater heritage of Lake Muskoka.
