Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wauseda II C 158472

Explore the history of the Wauseda II, a small fishing tug lost to fire in 1948, and its significance in the Great Lakes fishing industry.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wauseda II
  • Type: Gasoline-powered steel tug (fishing support vessel)
  • Year Built: 1924
  • Builder: Midland, Ontario
  • Dimensions: Length: 55 ft (16.8 m); Beam: 11 ft (3.4 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 17 tons
  • Location: Fitzwilliam Island, near the mouth of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
  • Official Number: C158472

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Wauseda II was a small steel-hulled gas-powered tug, primarily used as a fishing support vessel.

Description

The Wauseda II was built in 1924 in Midland, Ontario. It served primarily in the Georgian Bay region of Lake Huron, assisting in commercial fishing operations.

History

The Wauseda II supported local fishery operations, helping transport catches, nets, and supplies. It operated out of Owen Sound, Ontario, likely working near Manitoulin Island, the Bruce Peninsula, and Fitzwilliam Island.

Significant Incidents

  • Date of Loss: October 21, 1948
  • Location: Fitzwilliam Island, near the mouth of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
  • Cause: Fire
  • Cargo at Loss: None
  • Loss of Life: Unknown
  • Incident Details: While moored at a dock on Fitzwilliam Island, the Wauseda II caught fire and was destroyed. The exact cause of the fire is uncertain, with possible explanations including fuel ignition from the engine, electrical malfunction, or accidental fire from dock operations. The vessel was completely burned, leaving no salvageable remains.
  • Casualty information is unclear, but there may have been no fatalities.

Final Disposition

The Wauseda II was completely destroyed by fire, leaving no substantial wreckage. Any remains would likely consist of scattered debris, such as engine parts or burnt hull fragments.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Since the Wauseda II burned completely, no substantial wreckage is expected. The site may still contain remnants, but most evidence would have decayed or been removed. No known dive surveys have been conducted at the location.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Wauseda II (1924–1948) was a small steel fishing tug that served the Georgian Bay fishing industry before being destroyed by fire at Fitzwilliam Island in 1948. While no known wreckage remains, her loss reflects the fire hazards of early gasoline-powered boats and the challenges of Great Lakes commercial fishing.