Mapleglen (wyoming – Lake Ontario Steamer Shipwreck (1925)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Mapleglen (formerly Wyoming)
• Type: Merchant Vessel (Propeller-driven)
• Year Built: 1887
• Builder: Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 250.4 ft (76.33 m); Beam: 40.1 ft (12.22 m); Depth of hold: 14.6 ft (4.45 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,952.80 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 21 m / 70 ft
• Location: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44 08.70′, W 76 37.09′
• Official Number: C 141589
• Original Owners: American Interlake Line, Canada Steamship Lines
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The WYOMING, later renamed MAPLEGLEN, was a propeller-driven merchant vessel designed for cargo transport. Built in 1887 in Buffalo, New York, it was one of the largest vessels of its time on the Great Lakes. Originally measuring 241 feet in length, it was later rebuilt to 250.4 feet, with a gross tonnage of 1,952.80 tons. Its robust design reflected the importance of maritime shipping in connecting industrial and commercial hubs in the Great Lakes region.

Description

The MAPLEGLEN was scuttled in Lake Ontario at the coordinates N 44 08.70′, W 76 37.09′. The deliberate scuttling marked the end of its operational life. The wreck now lies at a depth of 70 feet, making it an accessible site for recreational divers.

History

The WYOMING entered service in 1887, operating primarily out of Buffalo, New York. During the 1890s, it was frequently chartered by the Port Huron & Detroit Steamship Co., transporting goods across Lake Ontario and other parts of the Great Lakes.

In 1906, the vessel underwent significant modifications, slightly increasing its size and updating its tonnage. By 1917, it had been acquired by the American Interlake Line and later became part of Canada Steamship Lines in 1919, when it was renamed MAPLEGLEN.

After being decommissioned and laid up in 1921, the MAPLEGLEN never returned to service. In 1925, it was scuttled off Amherst Island, near Kingston, Ontario, as part of a deliberate disposal process common during that era for outdated or obsolete vessels.

Significant Incidents

• No significant incidents reported during service.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the MAPLEGLEN is relatively well-preserved, thanks to the cold, freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. It lies at a shallow depth, making it suitable for divers of varying skill levels. The structure offers multiple points of interest, including the midship, bow, boilers, and mooring points.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the MAPLEGLEN is relatively well-preserved, thanks to the cold, freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. It lies at a shallow depth, making it suitable for divers of varying skill levels. The structure offers multiple points of interest, including the midship, bow, boilers, and mooring points.

Resources & Links

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Today, the wreck serves as a valuable resource for both historical study and recreational diving. Its preservation in Lake Ontario provides insights into the industrial maritime heritage of the region, highlighting the importance of the Great Lakes as a transportation and economic artery. For divers, the site offers a unique exploration opportunity, combining historical significance with underwater adventure.