Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bertha May
- Type: Screw Steamer
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: W. R. Simpson, Gravenhurst, Ontario
- Dimensions: 44 ft × 11 ft × 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 20 tons
- Location: Muskoka, Ontario
- Official Number: 90578
- Original Owners: C. Mickle (1886–1901), C. J. Smith (1906–1917)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Bertha May was a small wooden-hull screw steamer, likely used for lake or river transportation and consistent with Muskoka’s thriving regional trade. Her diminutive size and low tonnage indicate she served as a passenger or light-freight vessel.
Description
Bertha May was a modest 20-ton screw steamer built for local service in Muskoka. She underwent a noteworthy engine replacement in 1913 but was ultimately scuttled after 1917. The scuttling remains unlocated and undocumented, offering a promising opportunity for archival research, boatyard log examination, or a dive survey for possible remains.
History
Bertha May was constructed in 1886 by W. R. Simpson in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The vessel was originally powered by a 9″ × 9″ (likely single-cylinder) engine from Doty Engine Works. In 1913, her original powerplant was removed and transferred to Nubertha, while she received a 6″ × 12″ × 9″ engine from Sharon, manufactured by Waterous Engineering Works, Brantford.
Ownership of Bertha May changed hands several times. From 1886 to 1901, she was owned by C. Mickle of Gravenhurst, Ontario. Between 1906 and 1917, she was owned by C. J. Smith in the Muskoka region.
Significant Incidents
- Engine swap in 1913, transferring the original engine to Nubertha.
Final Disposition
Bertha May was scuttled, though the date, location, and circumstances remain undocumented in existing sources. The vessel’s small size suggests she was likely sunk in a sheltered area—perhaps near Gravenhurst or Smith’s docks—after reaching the end of service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and there is no documentation or notification regarding its status. Further research is needed to determine its location and condition.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bertha-may-c-90578″ title=”References & Links”]
Bertha May represents a significant piece of Muskoka’s maritime history. The lack of documentation surrounding her scuttling presents an opportunity for further research and exploration.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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