Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Muskokalite
- Type: Tugboat / Supply Boat
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Unknown; described as an 8,000-gallon capacity supply tug
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Bala, Ontario
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Imperial Oil Company
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Tugboat / Supply Boat
Description
The Muskokalite was a small commercial supply tug operated by the Imperial Oil Company in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Its primary function was transporting fuel or related supplies to remote and waterfront communities. The vessel was stationed in Bala, a town on Lake Muskoka, located approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Gravenhurst and near Georgian Bay.
On July 10, 1948, while docked or moored at the Imperial Oil Company boathouse in Bala, the Muskokalite was destroyed in a sudden and catastrophic explosion. The cause of the explosion was undetermined at the time.
History
The Muskokalite was utilized primarily for the transportation of fuel and supplies in the Muskoka region, serving remote communities and waterfront areas. Its operational history is largely undocumented, but it was active by the 1940s.
Significant Incidents
- Fatality: Harvey Commondant of Bala – Engineer aboard the Muskokalite
- Injured:
- Capt. Alvin Croucher, 35, of Bracebridge – suffered severe burns and shock
- Carl Goodwin, 30, truck driver from Parry Sound – broken ankle
Final Disposition
Destroyed by fire and explosion. The vessel was completely lost.
Located By & Date Found
Nil – The wreckage was likely cleared shortly after the incident due to its location at a commercial fuelling site and because it occurred in a populated town area.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil – The vessel exploded dockside in Bala; no current hazard to navigation is likely present, and no markings are indicated on modern navigational charts.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”muskokalite-pre-1948″ title=”References & Links”]
The Muskokalite serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with maritime operations, particularly in the transportation of fuel and supplies. The tragic explosion resulted in loss of life and injuries, highlighting the need for safety measures in similar operations.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Muskokalite
- Former Names: Nil
- Registration Number(s): Unknown
- Date Built & Launched: Unknown, active by the 1940s
- Measurements: Unknown; described as an 8,000-gallon capacity supply tug
- Date Lost: July 10, 1948
Vessel Type
Tugboat / Supply Boat
Description
The Muskokalite was a small commercial supply tug operated by the Imperial Oil Company in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Its primary function was transporting fuel or related supplies to remote and waterfront communities. The vessel was stationed in Bala, a town on Lake Muskoka, located approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Gravenhurst and near Georgian Bay.
On July 10, 1948, while docked or moored at the Imperial Oil Company boathouse in Bala, the Muskokalite was destroyed in a sudden and catastrophic explosion. The cause of the explosion was undetermined at the time.
Final Disposition
Destroyed by fire and explosion. The vessel was completely lost.
Located By & Date Found
Nil – The wreckage was likely cleared shortly after the incident due to its location at a commercial fuelling site and because it occurred in a populated town area.
Casualties
Fatality: Harvey Commondant of Bala – Engineer aboard the Muskokalite
Injured:
- Capt. Alvin Croucher, 35, of Bracebridge – suffered severe burns and shock
- Carl Goodwin, 30, truck driver from Parry Sound – broken ankle
NOTMARs & Advisories
Nil – The vessel exploded dockside in Bala; no current hazard to navigation is likely present, and no markings are indicated on modern navigational charts.
Resources & Links
- • Newspaper Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (Saskatchewan), Monday, July 12, 1948
- • Potential Archive Locations:
- • Library and Archives Canada
- • Muskoka Lakes Museum
- • Bracebridge Public Library
Keywords, Categories, and Glossary
Keywords: Muskokalite, Bala, Tugboat Explosion, Imperial Oil, Lake Muskoka, 1948 boat fire, Harvey Commondant, Alvin Croucher
Categories: Tugboats, Inland Waters Accidents, Maritime Explosions, Fuel Transport, Muskoka Region Maritime Incidents
Glossary:
Foundered: A maritime term for sinking due to water ingress, but in this case, the vessel was destroyed by fire.
Supply Tug: A small vessel used to carry goods, often fuel or provisions, to other vessels or remote communities.
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muskokalite 1948-07-10 21:38:00