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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SIMLA
• Type: Wooden Canaller / Bulk Freighter
• Year Built: 1903
• Builder: Calvin Co., Garden Island, Ontario
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 225.6 ft (68.75 m) between perpendiculars; 230.75 ft (70.31 m) overall
  • Gross Tonnage: 1,196.87 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 730.94 tons (as remeasured in 1912)
• Cargo Capacity: 40,000 bushels of wheat or 1,200 tons on a 14-foot draft
• Engine: Triple-expansion steam engine, 3-cylinder, 750 IHP
• Depth at Wreck Site: 98 ft (29.87 m)
• Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: 44°06.976’N, 76°33.606’W

The SIMLA, a wooden bulk freighter, also known as a “canaller,” was designed to navigate the locks of the Great Lakes. Built in 1903 at Garden Island, Ontario, the vessel measured 225.6 feet between perpendiculars (68.75 meters) and 230.75 feet overall (70.31 meters). It had a registered tonnage of 1,196.87 gross tons and 730.94 net tons (post-remeasurement in 1912). The SIMLA was capable of carrying 40,000 bushels of wheat or 1,200 tons on a 14-foot draft. It was powered by a three-cylinder triple expansion steam engine, generating 750 indicated horsepower, making it a reliable vessel for bulk cargo like ore and wheat.

History

Launched on May 9, 1903, the SIMLA was commissioned by Calvin Co. for service in the ore trade between Deseronto and Sault Ste. Marie. Its robust construction earned it an A1 Lloyd’s rating in 1906, reflecting the highest standards of seaworthiness and quality.

Throughout its operational life, the SIMLA faced numerous challenges, including:

• Grounding near Longue Pointe, Montreal, in 1911.
• Multiple collisions and groundings between 1915 and 1916.
• A sale in 1918 to Angel B. Lagueruela of Havana, Cuba, which eventually fell through, leading to ownership reverting to previous holders.

Over time, the vessel operated under the Montreal Transportation Co. and Canada Steamship Lines until its use declined. By the mid-1920s, the SIMLA was laid up in Portsmouth, Ontario, signaling the end of its active career.

On November 18, 1926, the SIMLA was destroyed by fire at its layup berth. Although the engines were salvaged and repurposed for the freighter MAPLEHEATH, the vessel was officially struck from the registry in 1929. The remains of the SIMLA were raised on September 6, 1937, and deliberately scuttled in the Wolfe Island Graveyard.

Final Disposition

The SIMLA rests at a depth of 98 feet (29.87 meters) in the Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario, alongside other retired vessels. It is part of a deliberate scuttling site, preserving the history of wooden freighters in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wooden construction of the SIMLA likely shows significant deterioration, although elements like the keel and machinery remnants may still be identifiable.
• Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. Its location in the Wolfe Island Graveyard, a known scuttling site, adds to its historical interest for maritime archaeology and diving enthusiasts.

Resources & Links

• Dive Site Information: Insights into diving the Wolfe Island Graveyard, including the SIMLA, can be found at Wrecks and Reefs.
• Historical Records: Comprehensive historical records and ship histories are available at the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes.
• Photographic Documentation: Photographic documentation of Lake Ontario shipwrecks can be found at Vlada Dekina Photogallery.

Conclusion

The SIMLA exemplifies the legacy of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping, transitioning from a prized asset to a historical relic. Its eventual scuttling in the Wolfe Island Graveyard highlights the challenges of adapting to the evolving needs of maritime commerce. Today, the wreck offers a unique window into the past, serving as a resource for divers and historians interested in the engineering and operations of wooden bulk freighters.

Keywords

• SIMLA
• Wolfe Island Graveyard
• Lake Ontario shipwreck
• Great Lakes bulk freighter
• Calvin Co.
• Montreal Transportation Co.
• Canada Steamship Lines
• Scuttled wooden vessel
• Maritime history
• Lake Ontario diving sites

Please note that while the above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, the exact condition and accessibility of the SIMLA wreck may vary, and interested divers should consult local diving authorities before planning a visit.

Public Domain Photos

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Marine Historical Society of Detroit
• Great Lakes Ships

Each collection has a copy of the following

Wreck X Underwater Gallery – Suspected Simila

simla-c112114 1937-09-06 07:51:00