Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Felice
- Type: Freight, Passenger, and Mail Boat
- Year Built: 1955
- Builder: John McLean and Son Shipyard, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
- Dimensions: 68 ft (21 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Approximately five miles north of Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- Original Owners: Consolidated Paper Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Felice was a versatile multipurpose vessel designed for light freight, passenger transport, and mail delivery. At 68 feet, its robust construction made it capable of navigating the often challenging waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and later Lake Ontario. Its design reflected the shipbuilding expertise of the John McLean and Son Shipyard, renowned for producing durable and reliable vessels.
Description
The Felice was built for the Consolidated Paper Co. of Montreal, playing a crucial role in connecting remote island communities in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, such as Bonaventure and Anticosti Islands, to the mainland. It carried freight, passengers, and mail, ensuring isolated areas maintained ties with the rest of Canada.
History
Construction and Early Service
Launched on May 30, 1955, the Felice was vital for connecting remote island communities. It became synonymous with reliability in providing transportation and logistical services, ferrying supplies and tourists eager to visit iconic destinations like Perce Rock.
Final Voyage and Tragic End
The Felice‘s final voyage ended tragically during a day of high winds and rough seas. A suspected engine overheating issue caused smoke to billow below decks, prompting the crew to fire distress flares. The nearby Hall Corporation vessel Calgadoc responded to the call for help alongside an RCMP patrol boat, successfully rescuing all three crew members, including the owner, John Little of Ajax, Ontario. Despite their best efforts, the Felice sank approximately five miles north of Main Duck Island.
Significant Incidents
- Launched on May 30, 1955.
- Final voyage ended in tragedy due to engine overheating and rough seas.
- All crew members were rescued by nearby vessels.
Final Disposition
The Felice rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario, a poignant symbol of the perils faced by small, hardworking vessels. The loss marked the end of a vital service that connected remote communities to broader Canadian networks.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Felice has not been definitively located or documented by research or diving teams. Further exploration could uncover more about the vessel’s current state and location. Mariners navigating near Main Duck Island should exercise caution, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Resources & Links
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The Felice represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its dedication to connecting remote communities underscores the importance of small vessels in Canada’s transportation history. Although it lies beneath the waves, the Felice continues to be a story of resilience, service, and the ever-present challenges of navigating the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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