Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alva D
- Type: Steam Propeller Tug, Wooden
- Year Built: 1909
- Builder: Charles Martin
- Dimensions: Length: 44 ft (13.4 m); Beam: 10 ft (3.0 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 22 tons
- Location: Mink Rock, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 122420
- Original Owners: Mary Martin, Paul Dupuis
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alva D was a small wooden steam tugboat constructed in 1909, designed specifically for logging operations in the Georgian Bay area. Its compact size and efficient design made it ideal for towing logs through the often treacherous and shallow waters of Lake Huron. Despite its relatively small dimensions and tonnage, the tug played an essential role in the logging industry, contributing to the region’s economic activities.
Description
The Alva D was built and launched in 1909 by Charles Martin in Penetanguishene, Ontario. It was registered in Midland, Ontario, and primarily served as a logging tug in Georgian Bay. Its operations were limited but critical, transporting logs to mills or other destinations.
History
On August 22, 1909, the Alva D ran aground on the rocks off Mink Rock in Georgian Bay while bound from Penetanguishene. The grounding caused extensive damage, leading to the vessel’s foundering and eventual total loss. The specific circumstances of the incident, including the weather conditions or potential human error, are not well-documented. The wreck was later sold to Mary Martin, the wife of the vessel’s builder, Charles Martin. Ownership was briefly transferred to Paul Dupuis of Midland, Ontario, before the vessel was officially abandoned. The Alva D‘s documents were surrendered on April 23, 1910, marking the formal end of its operational history.
Significant Incidents
- August 22, 1909: The Alva D ran aground on the rocks off Mink Rock, leading to its total loss.
Final Disposition
The Alva D was declared a total loss after running aground on the rocks off Mink Rock. The vessel’s remains were sold as a wreck to Mary Martin, and its registration was closed in 1910. The wreck’s exact location remains undocumented, and its condition has not been explored or recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to the lack of precise details about the wreck site, the condition and accessibility of the Alva D remain unknown. It is unlikely to be of significant interest for diving or exploration due to its age, small size, and limited historical documentation.
Resources & Links
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The Alva D was a vital part of Georgian Bay’s early 20th-century logging operations, reflecting the importance of small vessels in regional commerce. Its loss underscores the inherent risks of navigating the shallow and rock-laden waters of the Great Lakes. Despite its brief service, the vessel’s story highlights the challenges of maritime work in the area. While the wreck itself remains undocumented and largely forgotten, the Alva D is a testament to the enduring history of the Great Lakes maritime community.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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