Wolfe Islander II

Wolfe Islander II
Tom Rutledge 2023
Shotline Diving

Table of Contents

Identification & Vessel Information:

Name: Wolfe Islander II (formerly Ottawa Maybrook)
Type: Coastal Freighter converted to Car Ferry
Material: Steel
Rig: Screw Propulsion
Built: 1946 by Collingwood Shipbuilding Company, Collingwood, Ontario
Dimensions: Length: 144.25 feet (44 meters) Beam: 43 feet (13.1 meters) Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
Gross Tonnage: 404 tons
Registry: Canada
Final Location: Dawsons Point, near Wolfe Island, St. Lawrence River
Coordinates: N 44°13.5580’ W 76°24.9860’
Depth at Wreck Site: 70 feet (24 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Wolfe Islander II began life as a coastal freighter named Ottawa Maybrook. Originally constructed as part of a post-WWII economic aid package for China, the vessel was repurposed as a passenger and car Ferry after the aid program was canceled. Converted to replace the aging Thomas Fawcett, the Wolfe Islander II became a critical transportation link between Kingston, Ontario, and Wolfe Island. Capable of carrying 16 cars and numerous passengers, the Ferry played a vital role in serving the needs of the growing Wolfe Island community.

Construction & Conversion:

•Built in 1946, the vessel was intended for a different purpose but was adapted to meet local transportation demands on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Renamed Wolfe Islander II, it began Ferry service to Wolfe Island, taking over from the aging Thomas Fawcett.

Service Life & Challenges:

The Ferry’s operational years were marked by notable incidents:
High water levels in 1947 complicated loading operations.
A fire broke out onboard in 1947 while docked.
A severe storm in 1950 near Quebec Head necessitated dramatic rescue efforts.
In 1951, the vessel became stuck in ice, leading to another rescue operation.
Despite these challenges, the Ferry faithfully served the route until 1975 when it was replaced by the more modern Wolfe Islander III.

Retirement & Final Disposition:

•Retired from active service in 1980, the Wolfe Islander II was sold to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in 1984 for one dollar. Plans to turn it into a museum exhibit were Abandoned, and on September 21, 1985, the vessel was scuttled near Dawsons Point off Wolfe Island to create an Artificial Reef and diving attraction.

Final Disposition

The Wolfe Islander II now rests at a depth of 70 feet (24 meters) in the St. Lawrence River. The scuttled vessel has become a popular site for scuba divers, offering a well-preserved wreck with features such as the engine room, catwalks, and other structural elements intact.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in excellent condition for diving, with clear access to various parts of the ship. Divers frequently explore its preserved features, including:

The engine room
Catwalks and other structural elements
External views of the robust steel Hull
Due to the depth and conditions, the site is recommended for advanced divers.

Highlights

Key Features:

Preserved structural elements, including engine room and catwalks.
A well-marked site with good Visibility for divers.

Accessibility:

A prime Artificial Reef destination for divers exploring the Great Lakes’ underwater heritage.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck. It is a recognized and marked dive site.

Resources & Links

Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Ships: Detailed vessel history and incident reports.
Wikipedia – Wolfe Islander II China
Bowling Green State University – Wolfe Islander

Tags #CarFerry #ArtificialReef #ScubaDiving #WolfeIslanderII #GreatLakesHistory #CollingwoodShipbuilding

Conclusion

The Wolfe Islander II played a pivotal role in Great Lakes transportation history, serving Wolfe Island for nearly three decades. Its transition from a coastal freighter to a car Ferry showcased the adaptability of ship design in meeting regional needs. Today, as an Artificial Reef, it continues to serve the community by offering a unique diving experience and fostering local marine ecosystems. Its story remains a testament to the resilience and transformation of Great Lakes vessels.