Mayflower – Kamaniskeg Lake Steamer Shipwreck (1912)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Mayflower
• Type: Rear Paddlewheeler, Flat-bottomed Steamer
• Year Built: 1903
• Builder: Napoleon Tessier
• Dimensions: 77 ft (23.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 7 m / 21 ft
• Location: Kamaniskeg Lake, Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada
• Coordinates: N 45.395466, W -77.688359
• Official Number: C 116861
• Original Owners: Hudson Bros.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Mayflower was a wooden rear paddlewheeler built in 1903 by Napoleon Tessier in Combermere, Ontario, for the Hudson brothers. Designed for navigating the shallow waters of the Madawaska River, the vessel measured 77 feet in length and was powered by two cross compound steam engines driving a single rear paddle wheel with twelve paddles. Originally built as a flat-bottomed steamer, the Mayflower was licensed as a tug but often carried passengers. Due to modifications and wear, the vessel was considered unseaworthy by some, particularly at the time of its sinking.

Description

The Mayflower now rests broken and decaying on the sandy bottom of Kamaniskeg Lake at a depth of 7 meters (21 feet). The wreck is a popular dive site, drawing divers who are interested in the vessel’s historical significance and tragic story. Over time, the wooden structure has deteriorated, but it remains a poignant reminder of the disaster.

History

Construction and Early Service:

• Built in 1903: The Mayflower was constructed in Combermere, Ontario, specifically for use on the Madawaska River. Its flat-bottomed design allowed it to navigate shallow waters efficiently, and it primarily served as a tugboat, although it was also used for passenger transport.
• Ownership: The vessel was owned by Hudson Bros. of Combermere, who utilized it for various purposes, including transporting passengers along the Madawaska River. Despite its design for industrial use, the Mayflower frequently carried civilians, particularly on special trips.

Final Voyage and Sinking:

• November 12, 1912: On the night of its sinking, the Mayflower was en route from Barry’s Bay to Combermere, carrying the body of John Brown, who had died in a gun accident in Saskatchewan, back to his family for burial. A severe winter storm struck the vessel on Kamaniskeg Lake, causing it to capsize and sink.
• Tragic Loss: Nine lives were lost in the disaster, including crew members and passengers. Among the victims were J.C. Hudson (owner and engineer), A. Parcher (pilot), J. Delaney (fireman), and several passengers from various regions. Remarkably, three survivors clung to the casket of John Brown and made it to a small island, now known as Parcher Island, where they survived the night.

Significant Incidents

• International Attention: The sinking of the Mayflower gained worldwide attention and was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not due to the unusual circumstances of the survivors.
• Destruction of the Wreck: Following the sinking, parts of the vessel remained above water, posing a navigational hazard. Ottawa port authorities used dynamite to destroy the protruding sections, ensuring the safety of other vessels.
• Memorialization: An island on Kamaniskeg Lake was named after the Mayflower to honor the memory of those who perished. Additionally, Mayflower Park was established in Combermere as a centennial project in 1967, serving as a lasting memorial.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Mayflower lies on the sandy bottom of Kamaniskeg Lake and is accessible to divers. The structure is in a state of decay, with the wooden hull breaking down over time. Despite this, the site remains a significant historical and recreational dive spot, with visibility generally good in the clear waters of the lake.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck was located near Barry’s Bay in Kamaniskeg Lake. Its location has been documented and marked, making it accessible to divers. The exact date of discovery by divers is not specified, but the site has been recognized for many years.

Resources & Links

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The Mayflower tragedy of 1912 remains one of the most significant inland maritime disasters in Canadian history. The vessel’s sinking during a winter storm on Kamaniskeg Lake, with the loss of nine lives, marked a dark chapter in the region’s history. Today, the wreck of the Mayflower serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by early 20th-century mariners on Canada’s inland waters. The site, now a popular dive location, continues to attract interest from historians, divers, and the local community, ensuring that the story of the Mayflower and its victims is not forgotten.