Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Unknown Fishing Boat

Explore the remains of an abandoned wooden fishing boat in Magnetawan, Ontario, showcasing the region’s maritime heritage.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown Fishing Boat
  • Type: Fishing Boat
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length 16-23 ft (5-7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Magnetawan River, Magnetawan, Ontario, Canada
  • Coordinates: Approximate area around 45.6°N, 79.6°W
  • Original Owners: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Small wooden fishing boat, typical of early to mid-20th-century designs.

Description

The vessel is a small wooden fishing boat with a hull that remains largely intact, though it exhibits significant weathering and decay. No identifying markings or registration numbers are visible, complicating efforts to trace its origin or ownership.

History

The boat was discovered in the vicinity of the Magnetawan River, a historically significant waterway in Ontario. The area has a rich maritime history, and remnants of old vessels are not uncommon. This particular wreck has not been previously documented, contributing to the region’s nautical heritage.

Significant Incidents

  • Discovered in the 1980s, the boat is abandoned and deteriorating.
  • Environmental concerns arise from the potential release of toxins from the decaying wood.

Final Disposition

The vessel is currently abandoned and poses environmental risks. Legal considerations regarding abandoned vessels apply, as it is illegal to abandon a boat under Canadian law.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The hull is largely intact but shows significant signs of weathering and decay. Further investigation is recommended to document the wreck thoroughly.

Resources & Links

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Engagement with local historical societies and archives may provide additional insights into the boat’s origin and history. Contributions of information or photographs to local maritime museums are encouraged to aid in preservation efforts.

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.

Shipwreck Report: Unknown Wooden Fishing Boat – Magnetawan, Ontario

Location: Magnetawan River or adjacent waterways, Magnetawan, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: Approximate area around 45.6°N, 79.6°
Date of Discovery:April 1980s
Vessel Type:Small wooden fishing boa
Status:Abandoned and deterioration
Condition: Hull largely intact significant weathering and decay
Identification:No visible markings or registration

Discovery & Observations

The vessel was discovered in the vicinity of the Magnetawan River, a historically significant waterway in Ontario. The boat is a small wooden fishing vessel, with its hull largely intact but showing signs of significant weathering and deca. No identifying markings or registration numbers are visible, making it challenging to trace its origin or ownership
The Magnetawan area has a rich history of maritime activity, and it’s not uncommon to find remnants of old vessels along its waterway. While this particular wreck has not been previously documented, it adds to the tapestry of the region’s nautical heritage.

Preliminary Assessment

  • *Construction: Traditional wooden planking, likely cedar or pine, common in early to mid-20th-century fishing boas.
  • *Dimensions: Estimated length of 5–7 meters (16–23 feet).
  • *Possible Origin: Given the vessel’s design and materials, it may have been used by local fishermen operating in the Magnetawan area during the mid-1900s.

Environmental & Legal Consideration

Abandoned wooden boats can pose environmental risks due to the release of toxins affecting marine life and surrounding habitats In Canada, abandoning a boat is illegal under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels AtThe Abandoned Boats Program has provided funding for assessing, removing, and disposing of such vessels, although submissions are currently closed.

Documentation & Preservation

Further investigation is recommended to document the wreck thorouhly.This includes detailed measurements, photographic records, and consultations with local authority. Engaging with local historical societies and archives may also yield information about similar vessels used in the area, potentially aiding in identifying the boat’s origin and history.

Map Reference

Magnetawan is located in Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Almaguin Highlands rein. The area is accessible for those interested in exploring the region’s natural beauty and historical sites.

If you have any additional information or photographs of the wreck, please consider sharing them with local maritime museums or historical societies to assist in the preservation and study of this vessel

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