Shipwrecks | Fathom Five Park
Uncover aquatic mysteries
Beneath the crystal blue waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park lie over 20 ghostly shipwrecks, a haunting underwater museum for adventurous scuba divers to explore. Plunging into the depths, the eerie hulls of once-mighty schooners and steamers emerge from the shadows. The Sweepstakes, wrecked in 1885, rests in just 20 feet of water - her weathered timbers and rusted hardware now a skeletal shell reclaimed by the lake.
But to truly appreciate the park's submerged secrets, take a boat out to the islands and deeper wrecks like the Arabia and Forest City. Here, 100 feet down, is an otherworldly realm of swaying green plants and darting fish flitting through the skeletons of the past. Properly trained divers can penetrate the silent, flooded cabins and cargo holds, perhaps imagining the frantic final moments as surging water sealed the sailors' fates. Fathom Five's sunken fleet is a bucket-list destination for wreck divers, each ship a poignant memorial and a chance to touch history in the profound stillness beneath the waves.
SWEEPSTAKES
(schooner)
Year: 1867
Length: 36.3 m (119 ft)
Depth: max. 7 m (20 ft)
This two-masted schooner was damaged off Cove Island then towed to Big Tub Harbour where she sank in September, 1885. The hull is still intact, with the windlass and a portion of the bow rail still in place. For both conservation and safety, penetration of the wreck is not permitted. One of the most popular wrecks in the park. It is visited by divers, snorkellers and tour boat passenger.
CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS
(steamer)
Year: 1879
Length: 37.3 m (122.5 ft)
Depth: max. 5 m (15 ft)
The City of Grand Rapids was an elegant passenger steamer until it burned and sank in October, 1907. Its charred remains now lie in shallow water about 30 m (100 ft) from the wreck of the Sweepstakes. Its rudder and propeller are displayed at the local museum. This site is suitable for both divers and snorkellers.
THE TUGS
Wreckage of four small steam tugs. (Alice G, Robert K, John & Alex, unidentified).
Access via walkway to wooden deck area. Please use caution when entering and exiting this site. A washroom and limited parking are available. This is a good site for both divers and snorkellers, a popular site for open water check-outs and for those wanting to observe divers in action. Site plan maps are available at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
CASCADEN
(schooner)
Built: Southampton, Ontario
Year: 1866
Depth: max.6 m (20 ft)
Wrecked in October, 1871, the vessel is badly broken up and spread over a large area.
CHINA
(two-masted schooner)
Built: Port Robinson, Ontario
Year: 1863 by J. & J.E. Abbey
Length: 41.8 m (137 ft)
Depth: max. 3 m (10 ft)
Wrecked on China Reef in November, 1883, it is badly broken up. The main portion is close to shore; the rudder is about 100m (330 ft) northwest of the main wreckage.
JOHN WALTERS
(two-masted schooner)
Built: Kingston, Ontario
Year: 1852
Length: 32.9 m (108 ft)
Depth: 5 m (15 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1883. Limited wreckage remains. Items of note: heavy keelson and centreboard box and glacial scours. Suitable for novice divers and snorkellers.
W.L. WETMORE
(steamer)
Year: 1871
Length: 65.1 m (213.7 ft)
Depth: 7 m (25 ft)
Wrecked during a storm in November, 1901. In addition to the large amount of timber wreckage, look for the impressive boiler, anchor, chain and rudder. Interesting bedrock features. Suitable for divers of all levels of experience and snorkellers.
JAMES C. KING (schooner-barge)
Year: 1867
Length: 53.4 m (175 ft 3 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The King was wrecked while under tow by the Wetmore in November, 1901. The second barge on tow, the Brunette, was later salvaged. This site is good for advanced divers only. It is not recommended for novices or trainees.
NEWAYGO
(steamer)
Year: 1890
Length: 59.7 m (196 ft)
Depth: max. 8 m (25 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1903. The wreckage is scattered, the main portion lying flat on the bottom. Note the massive timbers used during construction. Excellent for all divers. The site’s open conditions require suitable weather.
PHILO SCOVILLE
(schooner)
Year: 1863
Length: 42.5 m (139 ft 6 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The vessel was wrecked during a storm in October, 1889. The bow, including the bowsprit, can be found at the deeper depths and the anchors are located about 30m (100 ft) east of the main wreckage. This site is recommended for advanced divers only.
CHARLES P MINCH
(schooner)
Year: 1867
Length: 47.2 m (154.7 ft)
Depth: 6 to 16 m (20 to 50 ft)
The Minch was driven onto the rocks in October, 1898. The wreck is broken up and spread over Tecumseh Cove, Cove Island. The main wreckage is found close to shore near the head of the cove. Of note are portions of two rudders. The second (situated west of the inner mooring buoy), is likely from the schooner Tecumseh, wrecked in the area in 1882. A good site for all levels of experience.
ARABIA
(barque)
Year: 1853
Length: 40. 1 m (131.6 ft)
Depth: max. 37 m (120 ft)
Floundered off Echo Island in October, 1884. The wreck is in good condition. The bow section with bowsprit, windlass and anchors, is particularly impressive. This site is only recommended for advanced diving groups under the direction of a dive master. There are strong currents and weather conditions must be considered.
MARION L. BRECK
(schooner)
Year: 1863
Length: 38.7 m (127 ft)
The vessel struck the rocks and broke up in October, 1901 leaving scattered wreckage in the shallows. The main portion lies in deeper water.
FOREST CITY
(steamer)
Year: 1947
Length: 41.2 m (135 ft)
Depth: max. 8 m (25 ft)
Stranded in October, 1980. Subsequent weathering and a fire have left only the bottom portion remaining. A good snorkel site.
AVALON VOYAGER II
(motor ship)
Year: 1947
Length: 41.2 m (135 ft)
Depth: max. 8 m (25 ft)
Stranded in October, 1980. Subsequent weathering and a fire have left only the bottom portion remaining. A good snorkel site.
CAROLINE ROSE
(schooner)
Year: 1940
Length; 39.6 m (132 ft)
Depth: max. 16.5 m (55 ft)
The Caroline Rose was towed to Driftwood Cove on the Georgian Bay shore by a group of sport divers and sunk as a dive site in late August 1990. Located outside park boundaries. There are a variety of tools and fittings on site.
UNIDENTIFIED
WRECKS
NIAGARA II
(tanker then sandsucker)
Year: 1930
Length: 55.5 m (182 ft)
Depth: 28 m (90 ft)
Deliberately sunk by the Tobermory Maritime in May, 1999 as a dive site. Located outside park boundaries. Commemorative plaques and lots of machinery to see.
