MANOLA – Lake Ontario Steamer Shipwreck (1918)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Manola (later renamed Mapledawn)
• Type: Propeller (Steam Screw)
• Year Built: 1890
• Builder: Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length 282.4 ft (86 m); Beam 40.3 ft (12.3 m); Depth of hold 21.2 ft (6.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 2,725 GT; Net Tonnage: 1,835 NT
• Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
• Location: Main Duck Island
• Coordinates: N43° 54.255′ W76° 46.124′
• Official Number: C 141836 US 92170
• Original Owners: Various, including U.S. Steel and U.S. Shipping Board
• Number of Masts: Three masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Manola was a steel bulk freighter constructed in 1890 by the Globe Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio. It was designed to handle the rigorous demands of the Great Lakes iron ore trade, especially on Lake Superior. Powered by a triple expansion steam engine producing 1,200 indicated horsepower, the vessel was a technological marvel for its time. With three masts and a steel hull, the Manola combined durability and power. In 1921, it was retrofitted with electric lighting, showcasing advancements in maritime technology during its years of operation.

Description

The Manola was a vital part of the Great Lakes maritime trade for much of its life. Its primary role was the transportation of iron ore, which was crucial for the industrial growth of the United States and Canada. Over its operational years, the vessel underwent repairs, modifications, and changes in ownership.

History

The Manola was a vital part of the Great Lakes maritime trade for much of its life. Its primary role was the transportation of iron ore, which was crucial for the industrial growth of the United States and Canada. Over its operational years, the vessel underwent repairs, modifications, and changes in ownership.

Significant Incidents

• 1894: Ran aground and underwent significant repairs, including replacing 15 hull plates in 1895.
• 1901: Joined U.S. Steel’s fleet under the Pittsburgh Steamship Co.
• 1918: Sold to the U.S. Shipping Board for saltwater service. To facilitate this, the Manola was cut in half to navigate the St. Lawrence Canals.
• On December 3, 1918, while under tow by the tug Michigan, the forward section of the Manola sank west of Main Duck Island, leading to the tragic loss of 11 or 12 lives. This event marked the end of the Manola in its original form.

Final Disposition

On November 30, 1924, the Mapledawn met its end during a snowstorm in Georgian Bay while transporting barley from Fort William to Midland, Ontario. Although some of the cargo and machinery were salvaged, much of the hull was scrapped in 1942. The original wreck of the Manola near Main Duck Island remains submerged and serves as a historical site for divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Manola lies in shallow water, making it accessible to recreational divers. Its historical significance and condition make it a popular destination for diving and underwater exploration. The wreck site offers insights into early 20th-century maritime engineering and the challenges of Great Lakes shipping.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”manola-c-141836-us-92170″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Manola stands as a testament to the industrial might and resilience of Great Lakes shipping. Its dual chapters—as a powerful freighter and, later, as the Mapledawn—reflect the adaptability of maritime commerce during the early 20th century. Despite its technological advancements, the vessel succumbed to the unpredictable dangers of the Great Lakes. Today, the wreck near Main Duck Island preserves the legacy of this iconic ship, offering a unique site for divers and historians to explore.