Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Manasoo
- Type: Passenger/package steamer
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: William Hamilton & Co., Port Glasgow, Scotland
- Dimensions: Original: 155 ft x 24.1 ft x 16.3 ft (47.2 m x 7.3 m x 5.0 m); Post-rebuild: 178.4 ft (54.4 m) length
- Registered Tonnage: 574 GRT (pre-1905); 529 GRT (post-rebuild)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 64 m / 210 ft
- Location: Off Griffith Island, Georgian Bay
- Coordinates: Undisclosed (to protect site)
- Official Number: 93932
- Original Owners: Owen Sound Transportation Company (at time of loss)
- Number of Masts: Twin-screw
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
SS Manasoo was originally constructed as the Macassa, a steel-hulled passenger and package freight steamer powered by twin-screw propulsion. She featured two triple-expansion steam engines and a single coal-fired Scotch marine boiler. Designed for service on Lake Ontario and later Georgian Bay, she was capable of achieving speeds near 18 knots under ideal conditions.
The vessel had a slender hull form typical of late 19th-century lake steamers, optimized for passenger comfort and seasonal excursion service. Her original configuration was modified in 1905 with a hull extension to improve passenger capacity, extending the length to approximately 178.4 feet (54.4 m). The upgrade made her suitable for longer regional routes but reduced her transverse stability.
Description
Built in Scotland and delivered under her own power across the Atlantic, the vessel entered Canadian service in 1888 as the Macassa under the Hamilton Steamboat Company. She operated on the busy Toronto–Hamilton passenger circuit and expanded into Niagara River ports. Her popularity stemmed from her graceful lines and reliability.
In 1911, she was acquired by the Niagara Navigation Company and later absorbed into Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Co. in 1912. By 1913, she was folded into Canada Steamship Lines, serving in various passenger roles throughout Lake Ontario. A significant rebuild at Collingwood in 1905 extended her hull and modified her tonnage, inadvertently affecting her stability.
In 1927–28, now operated by the Owen Sound Transportation Company and renamed Manasoo, she was refitted for overnight tourist service in Georgian Bay. The upper deck accommodations were widened to full beam, further compromising her center of gravity.
History
On 14 September 1928, Manasoo departed Manitoulin Island with 21 crew, two livestock handlers, and 116 head of cattle. As she passed Griffith Island during the early hours of 15 September, she encountered heavy weather. Improper weight distribution from livestock and retrofitted superstructures led to instability. The vessel took on water, lost power, and capsized stern-first.
Only five survivors were rescued by the steamer Manitoba. The remaining 16 aboard, including livestock, were lost. An inquiry concluded negligence in cargo stowage and vessel management contributed to the disaster. Captain John McKay’s and the first officer’s certificates were cancelled.
Significant Incidents
- 1928-09-15: SS Manasoo capsized in heavy weather, resulting in 16 fatalities.
Final Disposition
The wreck was discovered in 2018 by a team including Jerry Eliason, Ken Merryman, and Dan Fountain using side-scan sonar and ROV survey. The vessel was found intact and upright in 210 feet of water near Griffith Island, Georgian Bay. The discovery confirmed details of her final moments, including her intact pilothouse and cargo remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Georgian Bay; nearest ports Owen Sound or Wiarton
Conditions: Cold water year-round, thermoclines present, occasional currents
Depth Range: 200–215 ft (61–66 m)
Emergency Contacts: Canadian Coast Guard (Great Lakes Region); Grey-Bruce OPP
Permits: Not required for recreational observation; disturbance prohibited
Dive Support: Technical charters operate from Tobermory and Wiarton
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”manasoo-c-93932-macassa” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
SS Manasoo remains a significant wreck for divers, offering a glimpse into maritime history while emphasizing the importance of ethical diving practices. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.
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