WAOME

Site Description

Waome

On October 6, 1934, the WAOME, a wooden steamer, sank in Lake Muskoka, resulting in the loss of three lives. H.E. Poland, a diver who was involved in the search for bodies and mail, provided a detailed account of the first dives to the wreck. Poland’s report, addressed to the Chief Engineer of the Marine Department in Ottawa, documented the events that took place during the recovery operation.

Upon receiving instructions to assist in the recovery effort, Poland traveled to Gravenhurst with diving apparatus. Arriving in Gravenhurst on October 9th, he proceeded to Beaumaris Island, where the accident had occurred. Several boats were already present, engaged in grappling and sounding to locate the wreck. Poland was warmly received by the individuals involved and was appointed to lead the operation. They worked together to sound out the length and breadth of the wreck in order to accurately locate it.

The cooperation among the team was remarkable, with volunteers readily assisting in fulfilling their requirements. With the help of Mr. Wasley, the manager of the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Co., locating operations commenced before daylight on October 10th. The team made progress in identifying various parts of the wreck, and they decided to use a scow for handling cables and diving purposes. Mr. Borntraeger, a local resident, provided his larger power cruiser to retrieve the scow, which had to be brought from a distance.

The team faced the challenge of obtaining heavy anchors, cables, and ropes to accurately position themselves over the wreck. However, the volunteers demonstrated their willingness to assist, promptly fetching the required equipment upon request. They started the locating operations, and by utilizing their experience, they estimated the highest parts of the wreck to be at a depth of 68 to 72 feet, corresponding to the hurricane deck or boat deck. Though lacking a measuring tape, they used a sailor’s ability to measure off a fathom and cross-checked their findings using two or three lines.

Poland descended using a weighted line and reached the top of the smokestack, where he noticed the lifeboat hanging straight up by one set of tackles. Continuing his exploration, he discovered the whistle and stay from the smokestack, followed by the circular front of the wheelhouse and mast. At the ship’s bell, he determined his station for the duration of the operation. Observing the wreck’s orientation, Poland noted that it was on its keel with a list of 18″ to 2′ to starboard and a difference in depth of approximately 6 to 8 feet between the stern and bow.

Visibility underwater was poor, with only close-up detail discernible through Poland’s face glass. A dark blur appeared beyond a few feet, compounded by cloudy conditions and turbulent water. Despite the challenges, Poland proceeded to explore the various sections of the wreck. He traversed the port and starboard sides of the upper deck, searched the promenade deck, entered the wheelhouse, and ventured into the saloon. He located the body of Rev. Mr. Coxon, a passenger, and carefully brought him to the surface for further proceedings.

Poland then faced the task of searching for the officer’s body, whose whereabouts were uncertain. One possibility was that he had been jammed by a large gate on the lower or cargo deck. However, due to limited access to the lower deck, Poland decided to clear the boat covers, tackles, and wreckage on the upper deck to gain entry into the saloon. Despite the approaching darkness, he made progress but realized the need for additional help due to the deck layout. Determined to find a way, Poland examined the WAOME’s sister ship, which was under repairs, for potential entry points into the saloon.

Steam Screw WAOME.* Official Canadian No. 131085. Built at Gravenhurst, Ont., in 1912. Of 89 gross tons; 60 tons reg. Home port, Toronto, Ont. 78.0 x 14.5 x 4.9 and 10 horse power. Owned by Muskoka lakes Navigation & Hotel Co., of Gravenhurst, Ont.
      * Formerly MINK.
      List of Vessels on Registry Books of the Dominion
      of Canada on the 31st. Day of December, 1933