Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Wilma C 130236

Explore the wreck of the Wilma, a historic tugboat resting in Lake Erie, offering divers a glimpse into maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Wilma
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Year Built: 1911
  • Builder: Collingwood, Ontario
  • Dimensions: 75 ft (22.9 m) in length; 16 ft (4.9 m) in width; 8 ft (2.4 m) in depth
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 22 m / 75 ft
  • Location: Port Dover, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: N 42°42.140′ W 080°02.068′
  • Original Owners: JA MacDonald and the Wilma Fish Co. Ltd; MacGraw MacDonald and the Wilma Fish Co. Ltd

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Tugboat

Description

The Wilma was a wooden-hulled tugboat, launched in 1911 in Collingwood, Ontario. Known for its versatility, it was initially employed by the JA MacDonald and the Wilma Fish Co. Ltd for fishing operations. After its 1917 rebuild, the vessel increased in size and operational efficiency, serving as a critical asset for its owners. Tugboats like the Wilma were essential workhorses on the Great Lakes, designed to navigate challenging conditions while towing or assisting other vessels.

History

The Wilma’s operational history spans over two decades. Built in 1911, the vessel was pivotal for the Wilma Fish Co. Ltd, undergoing significant upgrades in 1917 to extend its length and improve functionality. Ownership transferred to MacGraw MacDonald and the Wilma Fish Co. Ltd in 1934, continuing its legacy as a robust and reliable fishing tug.

However, on April 14, 1936, tragedy struck. While operating in Lake Erie, the vessel encountered heavy ice conditions that punched out a plank near the boiler on the starboard side, causing it to sink. The wooden-hulled vessel was no match for the ice, and it met its untimely end, resting upright at the bottom of the lake.

Significant Incidents

  • April 14, 1936: The Wilma sank due to heavy ice conditions that damaged its hull.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Wilma lies upright in 75 feet (22 meters) of water near Port Dover. The site is typically marked by a buoy to aid in navigation and diving. The wreck’s features, including the stack lying along the port side, the boiler, and a forward hatch with a ladder leading below deck, offer a compelling dive experience. However, divers should proceed with caution as fishing nets are known to be present around the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible for divers with moderate experience, resting at a manageable depth of 75 feet. The clear orientation of the wreck allows for easy exploration opportunities, but divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards from fishing nets.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Wilma, once a vital fishing tug, now lies as a historical wreck in Lake Erie. Its tragic sinking in 1936 highlights the challenges faced by wooden-hulled vessels in harsh Great Lakes conditions. Today, the site offers divers a fascinating opportunity to explore the remains of a vessel that served the region’s fishing industry for over two decades. With its accessible depth and notable features, the wreck is a testament to the resilience and history of Great Lakes maritime activity.