The Maritime Museum of British Columbia’s Remembrance Day Human Library program will run on the afternoon of November 11th, 2023, from 1:30 – 3:30 PM, with admission by donation. The Museum will otherwise be closed to admissions that day for the statutory holiday.

About the program

This Human Library program is an opportunity to talk to two service members with unique service histories and trades. In group conversations, explore memories, stories, and technical expertise.

“The idea of a Human Library is that instead of books, visitors in groups get to talk to multiple people with specific lived experiences, each for a set amount of time before beginning a new conversation,” said Events and Development Manager Anya Zanko.

Two service members, CPO1 Jonathon Sorensen and Lt(N) Michelle Scott, will join participants for this program, and run 2 parallel sessions of 30-minute conversations; there will be a break in between each session.

Admission to this program is by donation. We will have hot chocolate and a break between conversations.

Information for the Public

Event Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Location: The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street

Hours: 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Website: https://mmbc.bc.ca/events/

Admission: by donation

Register ahead to ensure a spot: https://store.mmbc.bc.ca/collections/digital-programs/products/human-library-remembrance-day

Join us for an evening presentation by local photographer/cinematographer Roger McDonell as he explores the last four decades of Discovery Passage (British Columbia).

Sponsored by Ripple Rock Power Squadron.

In lieu of admission, cash donations to the Campbell River Food Bank will be accepted.

Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/roger.mcdonell.5

The narrative of the ships, which is a crucial aspect of the Halifax Explosion, is largely missing from the many excellent books that have been written about it. That day, there were far more than 150 boats in the harbour. We have very little knowledge of them. The enormous task of identifying and narrating the histories of the ships and the sailors who manned them is taken on by The Dangerous Harbour: Revealing the Unknown Ships and Wrecks of the Halifax Explosion.

Read The Scuba News Canada article on Atlantic’s Last Stop Courage, Folly, and Lies in the White Star Line’s Worst Disaster Before Titanic

This is Bob Chaulk’s sixth book about the seas and sailors of Eastern Canada, drawing from more than 1,200 dives in Halifax Harbour. The author of Atlantic’s Last Stop: Courage, Folly, and Lies in the White Star Line’s Worst Disaster Before the Titanic, Bob is a well-known writer and speaker on nautical history. He recently came back from Liverpool, United Kingdom, where he told the tale of Nova Scotia’s worst shipwreck in the port where the Atlantic sailed.

About the Author Robert B Chaulk

Robert G. Chaulk is the SS Atlantic Heritage Park’s historian and a recognized expert on the SS Atlantic accident. He is the author of five volumes about the maritime history of Atlantic Canada. He co-authored SS Atlantic: The White Star Line’s First Disaster at Sea, which received three literary honours, with Greg Cochkanoff. Bob is an ardent scuba diver who has done over fifty dives on the Atlantic wreck, giving him a unique viewpoint on this significant piece of Canadian history.

Details:

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Every year this annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the total loss of the 29 crew members aboard on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center will be open for visitors. Guides will welcome visitors and provide historic site and shipwreck information. Throughout the day, visitors can watch a film about Edmund Fitzgerald in the visitor center, or join a guided tour exploring the history of Fitzgerald’s final voyage.

At 4:15 pm, the lighthouse will temporarily close while the names of the crew are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell, with a rendition of the Naval Hymn. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit, and the tower will be open again to tour until close at 6 pm.

Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp as the grounds and trails are unlit. The weather is unpredictable, please dress accordingly.

The event will be streamed on Split Rock’s Facebook Page and the Minnesota Historical Society’s YouTube channel.

Planning to watch the livestream event? Register here to get regular event reminders, so you are sure not to miss the a moment!

Details

Friday, November 10, 2023: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Split Rock Lighthouse: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd. Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616

Cost:

$8-12/MNHS Members free

Get Tickets

Information @ 218-226-6372 splitrock@mnhs.org

Join Dan’s Dive Shop in Akumal, Mexico.

We have a fantastic week planned for May 13-20, 2024, staying at the 4-Star All Inclusive Bahia Principe Grand Coba Resort and diving in Akumal, Mexico.

Akumal is one of our favourite scuba diving spots. It combines a lovely reef/wall experience with epic cenote diving in a stunning setting. The Akumal reef is incredible, with turtles, coral reefs, and marine life, as well as world-class cenote diving led by our favourite Cave Explorer, Matt Mandziuk, and friends.

The month of May is ideal for diving in this area. Akumal literally translates to “Land of Turtles,” and the turtle breeding season begins in May. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Cenotes.

DDS AKUMAL DIVE TRIP INCLUDES:

Round trip airfare from Toronto with Air Transat

• Transfers from Cancun Airport 
• Seven nights at Bahai Principe Grand Coba All Inclusive Resort (Double Occupancy)
• Transport from Resort to Dive Shop
• Choice of Diver Package

DIVER PACKAGES

Package 1: Five Days Ocean Diving $2399

Package 2: Three Days Ocean Diving + Two Days Cenote Diving $2699

Package 3: Non-Diver/ Beach Snorkeler $1599

Package Includes 10 Dives, 1 Night Dive & Transportation

All prices quoted in Canadian

Learn more at: Akumal, Mexico with Dan’s Dive Shop

A waterspout is a powerful columnar vortex that forms over water and typically resembles a funnel-shaped cloud. Some are associated with cumulus congestus, some with cumulonimbus clouds, and others with cumuliform clouds. A fair-weather waterspout’s life cycle has five stages. A prominent circular, light-colored disc with a larger, darker area around it at first appears on the water’s surface. A pattern of light-and dark-colored spiral bands emerges from the dark spot on the water’s surface after the formation of these coloured discs on the surface. Then, around the dark spot with what seems to be an eye, a dense ring of sea spray known as a “cascade” appears. The waterspout eventually transforms into an apparent funnel that leads from the water’s surface to the cloud above. The spray vortex can reach heights of several hundred feet or more, and as it moves, it frequently leaves a visible wake and a related wave train. The life cycle of the waterspout is finally completed as the funnel and spray vortex start to dissipate as the warm air inflow weakens.

Most waterspouts are weak, small rotating columns of air over water rather than sucking up water. Stronger variants, produced by mesocyclones, do occasionally exist, despite generally being weaker than their land-based counterparts.

Although they have been spotted in the Great Lakes, tropical and subtropical regions are where waterspout formation is most common. But, nine waterspouts were reported on Lake Michigan in the United States at once in 2012. Although they are rare, waterspouts have been observed in conjunction with lake-effect snow precipitation bands.

Tornadoes over water, also known as “tornadoes watersprouts” are formed from mesocyclones in a manner that is essentially the same as how tornadoes on land are formed in connection with severe thunderstorms. Tornadic waterspouts would also include a tornado that crosses from land to water. True tornadic waterspouts are consequently more uncommon than their fair-weather counterparts.

Any object within 90 cm (1 yard) of the water’s surface, including fish of all sizes, frogs, and even turtles, can be lifted into the air, depending on how quickly the winds from a waterspout are whipping. Sometimes, a waterspout can pull small animals like fish out of the water and up into the cloud. Even if the waterspout stops rotating, the fish in the cloud can still be carried over land and tossed around by the wind until the cloud’s currents are no longer able to keep the fish in the air. People up to 160 km (100 miles) inland have reported seeing fish fall from the sky.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a widely held belief among sailors that firing a broadside cannon volley dispersed waterspouts. Captain Vladimir Bronevskiy, among others, asserts that it was a successful tactic because he saw a phenomenon disappear in the Adriatic. The Mary Celeste was abandoned, and a waterspout has been suggested as the cause.

Watersprouts have long recognized as significant marine hazards. Watercraft, aircraft, and people are all in danger from stronger waterspouts. It is advised to stay well away from these phenomena and to always be alert by monitoring weather reports. When waterspouts are expected to move onshore or have already been sighted over coastal waters, the National Weather Services frequently issues special marine warnings or tornado warnings.

We’ll be showcasing Chris’s videos in collaboration with The Scuba News Canada. These are educational and informative, and Chris admits that he hopes to inspire people to try scuba diving. On TikTok, he has over 145,000 followers from all over the world. He makes regular scuba diving adventure and instructional videos, as well as answering viewer questions in his videos about anything scuba or water-related. He feels seasoned divers can stay current with the new dive industry and training philosophies, so his channel has something for the novice to experienced divers.

About Chris Foisey

Chris was certified at Dans Dive Shop in 2011 and started working there that summer. After a few years, he started to pursue technical diving as well as becoming a Padi Dive Master. Over the years he has built his certifications up to a Level 1 cave diver and trimix decompression diver, Padi Master Scuba Diver Trainer as well as a hydrostatic technician and a full-time employee at Dan’s Dive Shop. Over the last 10 years, Chris has completed over 1200 dives all over the world and personally certified over 300 students.

Follow Chris on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube & Modern Diver

Follow Chris on Facebook

The strike by the seaway workers has ended and Great Lake freighter traffic is starting up again on Monday, October 30, 2023 at 7 a.m, according to Canadian news sources. Workers on strike perform maintenance, operational, and supervisory duties at 13 of the 15 locks along the trade route as well as raising and lowering boats between (locks) sections of varying depths along rivers.

Read The Scuba News Canada article: The St. Lawrence Seaway Could Be Prematurely Shut Down in 2023 Due to a Strike

The seaway, a major shipping route that connects the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes between Lake Erie and Montreal, has been closed since October 22, 2023 due to the walk-out of over 300 striking workers. While they await passage, ships have been left adrift. Due to the inability of businesses to accept goods that were being transported by freighters, the strike had a major effect.

Lana Payne, national president of UNIFOR, told reporters that striking workers wanted fairer compensation and solutions to “a toxic workplace.”

Can Ontario’s Brook Trout Cope with Climate Change?

Climate change is having profound effects on aquatic ecosystems and the fish within them. The loss of coldwater stream and lake habitat puts brook trout, a native coldwater specialist, at risk. Brook trout are more resilient than we think when it comes to surviving in warming waters, but there is a threshold over which they cannot survive in the long term. Because climate change is happening faster than organisms can adapt, understanding thermal tolerance thresholds is a critical step towards effective, evidence-based conservation of our coldwater ecosystems and native fish species. – Register now!

This webinar will be recorded and sent after the event to everyone who registers. This webinar is a part of Watersheds Canada’s Freshwater Stewardship Community. By providing your email, you agree to receive electronic communications from Watersheds Canada. You can unsubscribe at any time via a link provided in each communication. For more information, you may contact us at info@watersheds.ca

Details

Presented by Watersheds Canada

Monday, October 30th at 7pm ET/ 4pm PT

Erin Stewart, PhD Candidate, Integrative Fish Ecology Lab, Trent University

Register Here

What is Watersheds Canada?

Watersheds Canada is a federally incorporated non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity (863555223 RR 0001). We are committed to providing programs to communities across the country that work to engage and help shoreline owners enhance and protect the health of lakes and rivers.

The Maritime Museum of BC is thrilled to announce that our new feature exhibit titled Victoria Harbour will run from 2 November 2023 – 6 April 2024.

About the Exhibit

Nestled in the heart of the city, Victoria Harbour is a place of so many personal memories but how often do we think of its own history?

Collections and Exhibits Manager Heather Feeney says: “If you take a moment to stop and look around, you’ll see that the wharfs and buildings ringing the harbour all have stories to tell.”

Join us this season at the Maritime Museum of BC to delve into the wide-ranging history of the harbour. Victoria Harbour explores everything from the natural environment, to early industry, to how we work and play in and around the harbour today. While these are only some of the many pieces of the harbour’s past, we hope they will stay with you the next time you take a walk along the causeway. 

Media Details

Media are invited to come in on Thursday, November 2 between the hours of 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Please identify yourself as media at the front desk.

Maritime Museum of BC staff will be available for comment. Photography is welcome.

Information for the Public

Exhibit Dates: 2 November 2023 – 6 April 2024

Location: 744 Douglas Street

Hours of Operation: 10 AM – 5 PM

Website: www.mmbc.bc.ca

Admission Rates:

• Adult – $10.00
• Senior/Student – $8.00
• Youth (12-17) – $5.00
• Child (under 12) – Free

I greatly admire today’s young people — but I sure don’t envy them. We older generations are leaving them a hell of a mess.

Granted, many people of all ages are trying to help the world shift to efficient, cost-effective renewable energy and avert the increasingly devastating impacts of a heating planet. But some don’t want to give up the conveniences and luxuries they’ve become accustomed to, from jet-setting vacations to private automobiles, so they don’t push too hard for change.

And despite international agreements and significant progress on many fronts, those with real power to effect change are still propping up the fossil fuel industry. As oil companies rake in record profits, the world’s biggest economies, the G20 countries, invested a record US$1.4 trillion in public money in coal, oil and gas last year — despite ongoing pledges since 2009 to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.

It pains me to mention political “leaders” who oppose almost all climate policy and action — some publicly rejecting climate science altogether! The excessive support some show for polluting, inefficient energy sources makes me wonder who they’re really working for. They’re certainly not prioritizing the interests of those they were elected to represent, including those too young to vote.

It’s no wonder so many young people are angry — and sad, anxious and afraid. We’ve failed them. When they should be enjoying relatively care-free lives with friends and family, learning and gaining experience, many have become rightfully terrified for their futures. The resulting despair can be paralyzing.

It’s up to older generations to foster hope by taking concrete action to get off fossil fuels and stop destroying natural spaces. But we must also recognize the serious, often long-term mental health effects youth can experience in facing this crisis. We need to ensure they have access to adequate mental health support and tools for self-care.

After waiting too long for adults to make the right choices, many young people are finding that channelling their anger and fear into action is one antidote to despair. From climate strikes to community activism, they’re finding ways to connect with each other and shape their future.

Some have courageously mounted legal challenges. In Montana, 16 young people successfully sued the state this month for violating their right to a clean and healthful environment.

“Because of their unique vulnerabilities, their stages of development as youth, and their average longevity on the planet in the future, plaintiffs face lifelong hardships resulting from climate change,” the judge wrote.

Many are hoping the landmark decision will energize other youth climate lawsuits, including one next year in Hawaii.

In Canada, seven young people are suing the Ontario government over climate issues. And in a case supported by the David Suzuki Foundation, 15 youth from seven provinces and one territory are suing the federal government for violating their rights to life, liberty and security of the person under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and violating their right to equality under section 15, because they’re disproportionately affected by the climate emergency.

Again, young people shouldn’t have to spend their time and resources going to court to compel governments to do what they should be doing in the first place: ensuring their constituents live in a healthy environment and that youth of all ages can expect a bright future.

It’s exhausting enough just living with the growing climate crisis, even if you aren’t in the midst of fires or floods or smoke-clogged skies — or worse. Knowing so many solutions exist and that change is possible offers hope but can also be a source of frustration, as there are so many barriers to progress.

Young people are especially vulnerable. I urge all youth to talk about and get active in climate issues if you can — whether it’s participating in a march, writing a letter or joining an organization — but remember also to enjoy your life. We still have each day, and it’s important and energizing to have fun, get out into nature, spend time with friends and family, listen to music, dance, play and just live.

Let’s not be overcome by despair. A better future is achievable. We older generations owe those coming after us our consistent, focused efforts to do whatever we can to get there!

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

OVER 250 EXHIBITORS offering the latest camping gear, paddle sports, outdoor clothing, scuba diving & ultimate adventure travel destinations!

PLUS – over 100 adventure presentations to help you plan your next adventure.

OVER 320 EXHIBITORS offering the latest camping gear, paddle sports, outdoor clothing, scuba diving & ultimate adventure travel destinations!

PLUS – over 100 adventure presentations to help you plan your next adventure.

HMCS Saskatchewan was a destroyer of the Mackenzie class that served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and then in the Canadian Forces. She was the second naval unit in Canada to bear the name of HMCS Saskatchewan. The vessel is named after the Saskatchewan River in Canada, which runs from Saskatchewan to Manitoba.

She was mostly utilized as a training ship on the west coast after entering service in 1963. In 1994, she was decommissioned and sold as an artificial reef. She was sunk off the coast of British Columbia in June 1997.

The Mackenzie-class ships had a length of 366 feet (112 meters), a beam of 42 feet (13 meters), and a draught of 13 feet 6 inches (4.11 m). The Mackenzie’s had a complement of 290 and displaced 2,880 tons (2,830 long tons) when fully loaded.

HMCS Saskatchewan was initially stationed on the east coast, in Halifax. She was stationed off Haiti as part of an international force monitoring an insurgency against the sitting president, François Duvalier, in April 1963, while sailing to the Pacific. She was assigned to the Pacific in October 1963 and ran aground in the Gulf of Georgia on September 8, 1968. A court-martial later found the captain guilty of carelessness in the case. The destroyer returned to the east coast in February 1970, when she took over as the flagship of NATO’s standing fleet, STANAVFORLANT, from HMCS Nipigon.

Saskatchewan returned to the west coast in 1973 and spent the rest of her service there, mostly as a training ship with the Royal Canadian Navy and later the Canadian Forces’ Maritime Forces Pacific. The destroyer was dispatched in July 1982 to pursue the Soviet spy ship Aavril Sarychev, which had been spying on the west coast of North America. From May 27 to June 17, 1986, she was undergoing a DELEX overhaul at the Burrard Yarrow Shipyard in Esquimalt. She was one of the Canadian warships dispatched to Australia in the fall of 1986 to take part in the Royal Australian Navy’s 75th anniversary festivities. The ship remained a training ship with Training Group Pacific until 1 April, when she was paid off.

YouTube

As of Saturday, October 21, 2023, midnight, UNIFOR employees who work for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are prepared to strike, which would effectively halt transit through the Seaway. More than 35 million metric tons of grain and other cargoes travel along the route every year during the Seaway’s season, which starts in late March and lasts until the start of winter.

Workers will begin forming picket lines at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 if no agreement is reached by the end of today’s negotiations, which will last through October 19.

315,000 workers in all significant sectors of the economy are represented by UNIFOR, which is Canada’s largest private sector union. The union fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, promotes the rights of all working people, and works to bring about progressive change for a better future.

Observers are cautioning that if the strike continues and the seaway closes, the 2023 shipping season will be over and some vessels may become trapped.

Since the previous contract expired on March 31, the 315 unionized workers, who are UNIFOR members working in Canada, have been operating without a contract.

As of this posting, (October 24, 2023) last-ditch negotiations to reach a deal fell through and the massive inland waterway was forced to close. The Seaway workers, who are represented by Unifor, walked off the job early on Sunday morning.

Only 1 week away. Join us for our annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest!

Every year this event is a blast, make sure to bring your own pumpkin and cutting tool and we’ll supply mesh bags. Rules: no pre-cutting your pumpkin, it must be fully carved underwater!

Bring the Kids! We’ll have Pumpkin Painting Contest topside for the Jrs. Have them bring a pumpkin and we’ll supply the paint and glitter.

This is the most fun you can have underwater! Plus there will be Prizes!

Details

Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 4pm – 7pm

Welland Scuba Park

Learn more at: Dan’s Dive Shop on Facebook

November 29, 1966 on this day in history

Only Dennis Hale survived of the 29 crew members when the SS Daniel J. Morrell freighter broke in half and sunk off Harbor Beach (63 miles north of Port Huron, Michigan) in an unforgiving November Lake Huron storm. In the same storm, Sistership Edward Y. Townsend suffered a broken hull and was condemned when it arrived at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

At first, investigators did not believe Dennis Hale’s account that the vessel broke in two at the water surface, and the stern continued under power until it finally sunk.

The SS Daniel J. Morrell was a 603-foot (184 m) Great Lakes freighter. The freighter was used for carrying bulk cargo such as iron ore, but when the 60-year-old ship sank, it was working with only ballast. Daniel J. Morell was designed and launched in 1906 by the West Bay City Ship Building Company, based in West Bay City, Michigan. Its tonnage was 7,239 GRT, was 603 feet long with a 58-foot beam and powered by 2 marine boilers.

Daniel J. Morrell was trapped in winds greater than 70 mph (110 km/h) and swells that topped the ship’s height 20 to 25 ft (6.1 to 7.6 m) waves in the last run of the season with her sister ship, Edward Y. Townsend. The Townsend made the decision to take shelter in the St. Clair River during the early morning hours, of November 29, 1966, leaving Daniel J. Morrell alone in the waters north of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, and attempting to head to the protection of Thunder Bay. The ship started her death throes at 02:00 am, forcing the crew onto the bridge, where many jumped in the 34 ° F (1 ° C) degree Lake Huron waters to their deaths. The ship’s hull broke at 02:15 am and thus water started to flood in. The remaining crewmen loaded into a raft.

There were shouts that a ship had been spotted off the port bow as the remaining crew waited for the ship to break up and the raft to be tossed into the lake from the bow of the Morell where the crew had boarded. Moments later it was discovered that not another ship was the looming target, but the aft portion of Daniel J. Morrell, barreling toward them under the power of the engine of the ship. With the rafts heading into the distance, the ship broke up.

In the words of author William Ratigan, the vessel’s remains vanished “like a great wounded beast with its head shot off into the night”.

The following afternoon, 30 November 1966 around 12:15 pm, Daniel J. Morrell was reported missing as she did not make her destination, Taconite Harbor, Minnesota. A “be on the lookout” warning was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and several vessels and aircraft were deployed to search for the missing freighter.

A Coast Guard helicopter spotted the sole survivor, 26-year-old Watchman Dennis Hale, nearly frozen and floating in a life raft with the bodies of three of his crew members at about 4:00 pm on November 30, 1966. In freezing weather, Hale survived the nearly 40-hour ordeal wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, a lifejacket, and a pea coat.

Escaping the same fate as her sister ship, Edward Y. Townsend had been found to have a large crack in her deck that grew worse from the same storm. She was considered a complete loss, and for nearly two years she remained docked. Plans were made for the vessel to be towed to Europe for scrapping. On October 7, 1968, she was caught in a heavy storm off Newfoundland on her way to Europe, and snapped in two and sank in the approximate area where the RMS Titanic had sunk many years before.

Eventually, the remains of 26 of the 28 missing crewmen were recovered, in the days following the sinking. Some of the crewman bodies were not found till May of 1967. In May 1967, the two men whose bodies were never found were confirmed to be legally dead. On September 2, 2015, at the age of 75, Dennis Hale, the sole survivor of the sinking, died of cancer.

The significant factor in this loss was the disruptive force of the November seas and wind, on the Great Lakes as it was in several similar accidents which include the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Henry Steinbrenner. The Coast Guard investigation of Daniel J. Morrell’s sinking reported that she broke in half because of the brittle steel used in her hull, which was a “common problem” in ships constructed before 1948.

Daniel J Morrell remains intact and upright underwater. There are two sites for diving. At 130ft (40m), the bow can be reached, but both the bow and the stern rest at about 200ft on the bottom (61m). The mast, intact cabin, mushroom anchors and a long swim to where the ship broke in half are the signature features on the bow. The stern has just about everything to see as when it went down, lifeboats on the side, dishes in the galley, life ring down the stairs, and open engine room. The top of the deck features a double wheel and a smokestack.

This is an technical dive due to the depth, resting at 200 feet.

Becky Kagan-Schott, an underwater videographer, explores the Sandusky shipwreck, one of thousands of perfectly preserved time capsules in the Great Lakes. “Some of these shipwrecks look like they sank yesterday,” Becky quoted. The Sandusky, built in 1848 in Sandusky, Ohio, is the oldest known shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve and is frequently visited by divers.

On September 20th, 1856, a violent gale erupted on Lake Michigan’s northern end, catching the two masked brig Sandusky in the Straits and sinking her in 84 feet of water. She was sailing east from Chicago to Buffalo, New York, loaded with grain. In total, nine crew members pershished. According to the story, three men clung to the mast that protruded from the water, but they died before they could be rescued by side-wheeler Queen City, along with the other six crew members.

The Sandusky is located five miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The decks are crumbling in places, but there are some interesting artifacts on and around the wreck for underwater photographers, but divers are strongly advised to “observe not expropriate” anything off the sunken ship.

From May to September, a mooring line is in place to help divers with location and to prevent damage from anchors and hooks.

Intermediate to Advance dive skills are required and the location is:

Shipwreck: N45° 47.959′  W084° 50.249′

Mooring:    N45° 47.978′   W084° 50.248′

YouTube Video featuring Becky Kagan-Schott @ Liquid Productions

The Goderich Salt Mine (Sifto) is the largest underground salt mine in the world.

The world’s largest underground salt mine, the Goderich (Ontario) mine, is 1,800 feet beneath Lake Huron. The depth of the mine equals the height of Toronto’s CN Tower. The mine is about the same size as Goderich itself, covering a surface area of 7 sq km beneath Lake Huron. It has been in operation since 1959.

Sam Platt, who was prospecting for oil in Goderich Harbour on Lake Huron in 1866 but found rock salt instead of oil. Sifto Canada was founded in 1950, and in the 1990s, Compass Minerals, a US chemical company, purchased the business. The Goderich mine, which has grown to be the largest salt mine in Canada, continues to be a major supplier of salt for Compass Minerals.

The facility uses mechanical evaporation to create high-purity, coarse-and fine-grained salt products in bulk and packages for use in commercial, agricultural, and industrial settings. The mine’s rock salt, which is used for deicing and water conditioning, is also packaged at the plant. Table salt, fine evaporated salt, water conditioning salt, agricultural salt, and highway deicing salt are some of the company’s main products.

The Goderich salt mine has a production capacity of 9 million tons per year, and produces 7,250,000 tons per year.

On a beautiful evening after work, Sean from Nova Scotia went out for another underwater exploration and clean-up.

Now what the heck is a bottle from New York City doing all the way up here? The first image has the words M.B. & Co. 145 West 35th Street N.Y. 1861 embossed on it. I couldn’t believe it when I came across it on tonight’s dive.

The next item of interest was another button, this time with the image of an elephant, the number 78 and the phrase Assaye Maida Java. A quick Google search reveals it was from a soldier from the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, from the United Kingdom.

Saltwater Sean

M.B. & Co.

There isn’t much information available on the M. B. & Co in New York in 1861. However, many bottles from this company are available for around $35.00 on eBay and Amazon.

78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot

On March 8, 1793, Francis Humberston MacKenzie, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie and later Lord Seaforth, raised the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot. Formed at Fort George in July 1793, the regiment relocated to the Channel Islands in August 1893, and embarked for Holland in September 1794 to serve in the French Revolutionary Wars.[ It saw action in November 1794 during the defense of Nijmegen. The regiment arrived in England in April 1795, then sailed to France for the Battle of Quiberon Bay in June 1795 and the landing at Île d’Yeu, off the coast of Brittany, in September 1795, before returning to England.

In 1865, the regiment embarked for Gibraltar, and in May 1869, it sailed on the troopship HMS Crocodile to Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving on May 14, 1869. During the summer, the regiment camped at Bedford to practice musketry at the military range. Alexander Keith, Grandmaster of the Masonic Lodge of Nova Scotia, hosted a farewell ball for them before they left in 1871. In November 1871, the regiment, along with 17 young local women who had married soldiers, boarded the troopship HMS Orontes bound for Ireland.

The 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) Pipe Band, a grade one pipe band formed in 1983, is managed by Citadel Hill, which features a living history program with animators portraying the 78th Highland Regiment.

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On 14 October 1942, 78 years ago, at 3:40 am, the Newfoundland passenger ferry SS Caribou was torpedoed by the German submarine U-69 37 km (20 nmi) southwest of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, and sunk five minutes later. 137 people died, including civilian woman/children, Captain Benjamin Taverner, the long-time ship’s captain, and his sons Stanley and Harold, who served as first and third officers, respectively. Her sinking and large death toll made it clear that the war had really arrived on the home front of Canada and Newfoundland, and is cited by many historians as the most important sinking during the Second World War in Canadian-controlled waters.

SS Caribou was constructed for the Newfoundland Railway in 1925 at Rotterdam, Netherlands. Launched in 1925, the Caribou had a capacity of 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) and was able to attain a speed of 14.5 knots (26.9 km/h) when fully loaded. Between 1928 and 1942, the SS Caribou was a Newfoundland Railway passenger ferry running between Port aux Basques, in the Dominion of Newfoundland, and North Sydney, Nova Scotia. She was considered a luxury ferry for the times, due to the fact she had electric lights and steam heat in all the rooms. In addition, Caribou also helped during the seal hunt along the Newfoundland coast every spring due to its ice-breaking design.

On 13 October 1942, SS Caribou was part of the convoy Sydney-Port aux Basque (SPAB), organized by HMCS Defender, a Royal Canadian Navy base. The SPAB convoy series normally occurred three times a week and was carried out in the dark. The naval escort vessel on this ill-fated voyage was HMCS Grandmère, a Bangor-class minesweeper. Sadly, the German submarine U-69 was patrolling the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It was a dark evening and the U-69 was silhouetted against the night horizon by the thick smoke from the coal-fired steam boilers of the Caribou. Grandmere saw the submarine and attempted to ram it, but the U-69 submerged. The minesweeper (Grandmere) launched six deep charges over the next two hours but did not damage the submarine and U-69 crept away undetected into the Atlantic. Following procedure, Grandmère then went back for survivors.

The Canadian naval vessel Grandmere was criticized in the Sydney Post-Record and The Globe and Mail as well as other media outlets in the days after the sinking for not stopping and helping save survivors immediately; but it was against operating protocols, and would have put her in immediate danger of being sunk as well. Grandmère sailed for Sydney, Nova Scotia after picking up survivors because it had better hospital facilities than Port aux Basques, Newfoundland.

It was suggested by Gordon Payne, listening to the lyrics of the song, that it was composed by someone who was on The Caribou when it sunk. Many years ago, he heard a portion of the song and later got the full version of Cox’s Cove from Eli Payne. One of the survivors from the Caribou was William Lundrigan of Corner Brook.

The SS Caribou has not been pinpointed, according to Neil Burgess of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland & Labrador, and is situated at 450 metres, (1476 feet) beyond the depth of technical divers. To collect photos/videos, an ROV would be required.

How should old fishing nets and ropes be prepared for recycling?

In this video, we provide you with six easy steps to follow in order to properly prepare your used, broken, abandoned, and discarded fishing gear for recycling.

We separate the nets by type of plastic, rinse them in clean water, and store them in a dry, secure location after removing any metal weights and buoys. By taking these actions, you can lessen the impact that ghost gear has on marine ecosystems and, depending on how many nets you recycle, you can also raise money for your neighbourhood. Never burn or throw away used nets or ropes because doing so harms the environment and you.

What is Ghost Gear?

Ghost fishing gear, in particular, is one of the biggest threats to our oceans. Any fishing equipment that has been left behind, misplaced, or otherwise thrown away is referred to as “ghost gear,” including nets, line, rope, traps, pots, and floats. Other common terms include derelict fishing gear (DFG) and abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). These marine pollutants are among the most dangerous objects in our oceans and can kill fish, marine mammals, and other marine life. They also present a navigational risk and decompose into other pollutants like microplastics.

Ghost gear is primarily caused by snagging, tangles with other fishing gear, weather, and accidentally being cut by passing marine traffic. Intentional discard by harvesters is less common and typically results from IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, in which boats may cut loose their gear to avoid being apprehended by authorities.

More than eight million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, and between 600,000 and 800,000 metric tons of ghost gear are thought to enter the oceans annually globally. In the Canadian Arctic, ghost gear has been identified as a significant source of marine debris, much of which comes from offshore.

Ghost gear is a threat to Canada’s waters and the rest of the world, and we have recognized this and made it a national priority. We are dedicated to taking effective measures to support ghost gear prevention, recovery, and responsible disposal by working with numerous organizations, including:

• Indigenous groups
• fish harvesters
• the aquaculture industry
• non-profit organizations
• communities

Let’s work together to keep our oceans free from ghost gear.

YouTube Video

Join us for this free event with Midwest Underwater Explorers (MWUE)

Join us on November 20th at 5pm (Pacific Time) via Zoom for a virtual presentation by Guy Shockey on wrecks of the Pacific Northwest, and exploration that has been ongoing in the area. Learn about different ways you can join in these expeditions and contribute to our understanding of our local submerged history.

About Guy

Guy is a former military officer who learned to dive in 1982 in the cold mountain lakes of Alberta, Canada and has been involved with Global Underwater Explorers for the past 14 years. He is currently a full time Instructor Evaluator for GUE and spends a good deal of his time travelling the globe and teaching both OC and CCR for GUE. He is also actively involved with GUE instructor training and has trained approximately 75% of all the GUE instructors in North America. Guy is the founder of Thermocline Diving on Vancouver Island and runs dive training and exploration from his 47’ dive vessel, MV Thermocline. The Thermocline has been likened to a “floating classroom” and was designed for exploration and training on the inside coastal waters of Vancouver Island.

Details

Monday November 20, 2023 @ 8pm (EST)

Event by Thermocline Diving

Public: Anyone on or off Facebook

Register Here: https://www.thermoclinediving.com/MUE-PNW-Wrecks

Facebook Online Event

Fourth Element, a leading innovator in the world of diving gear, is proud to announce the launch of the Seeker mask, a groundbreaking addition to their renowned product lineup. Designed with the ultimate diving experience in mind, the Seeker mask offers an unparalleled field of vision and a universal fit for divers of all levels.

The Seeker mask sets a new standard in dive masks, with innovative design focusing on two primary objectives: maximizing the diver’s field of vision while maintaining the comfort and fit that fourth element is known for.

Key Features of the Seeker mask:

Wide Field of Vision

The Seeker mask’s single lens design provides a field of vision so expansive that it comes close to the feeling of not wearing a mask at all. Divers will enjoy an unobstructed view of the underwater world, enhancing their overall diving experience.

 Universal Fit

Fourth Element’s Seeker mask is engineered to fit nearly everyone comfortably. Thanks to new facial geometry and a soft silicone skirt, the mask molds to the contours of the diver’s face, ensuring a secure and leak-free seal.

Low Volume Design

The Seeker mask’s low volume design offers several advantages. It simplifies equalization and mask clearing, making it ideal for both novice and experienced divers. Additionally, the reduced internal volume contributes to a brighter and wider visual experience, approximating the natural field of vision.

The Seeker Mask represents fourth element’s commitment to pursuit of innovation in diving equipment. Whether you’re exploring vibrant coral reefs or descending into the depths of underwater caves, the Seeker mask is your ticket to a truly immersive and visually stunning underwater world.

The Seeker mask is available for purchase on October 16, 2023, and will be accessible through fourth element’s authorised dealers and https://www.fourthelement.com

Diversnight started in Norway as a way to bring divers together for one night of diving. Around the world on the evening of November 4th, divers will participate in an international night dive followed by cake, demonstrating the strong community that exists in the world of scuba diving.

In 2022, East Coast Scuba & Watersports was the FIRST Canadian dive shop to join the international event Diversnight. We were one of 151 groups spread over 25 countries. Last year a total of 1527 divers participated worldwide. We are registered and ready to participate again in 2023!

Meet us at Fox Point beach at 7pm for a group dive under the stars! Please bring multiple lights and feel free to accessorize with glow sticks.

Snorkelers, paddlers & bubble watchers welcome!

If you wish, gather at the shop beforehand to enable carpooling.

Details::

Saturday, November 4, 2023, 6pm

Event by East Coast Scuba & Watersports

1440 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1E4, Canada

Public: Anyone on or off Facebook

Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1828101417523875

Dr. Sam Willis delves into the origins of HMS Terror, which was inspired by the BBC series ‘The Terror,’ a chilling tale based on one of polar exploration’s deepest mysteries. The TV show was based on the Terror’s final and tragic voyage, when the ship sailed into the ice off the west coast of Greenland in 1845, under the command of Sir John Franklin and alongside another ship, HMS Erebus, in search of the Northwest Passage.

In this Mariners Mirror episode, Sam Willis talks with Ed Williams-Hawkes, a powerboat specialist, historian, and resident of Topsham, Devon, where the Terror was designed, about the fascinating history of the HMS Terror, which had a long and remarkable career.

Both ships were beset by ice, but the crews remained with the ships until April 1848, when they abandoned them. At that time, Franklin and over 24 sailors had perished. The survivors tried to walk to the Canadian mainland but disappeared and were never seen again.

The TV show is a fictional and fantastical account of what could have happened to the men; the fact is that we know very little about their fate, and it remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries of all time.

Mariner’s Mirror

The Society for Nautical Research’s journal is The Mariner’s Mirror. The Society was founded in 1910 to promote research into seafaring and shipbuilding in all ages and across all nations, as well as the language and customs of the sea and other nautical subjects. Mariner’s Mirror is recognized as the international journal of record for maritime and naval history. It is ranked by the European Reference Index for the Humanities (ERIH) as an INT1 journal (the highest classification), which has internationally recognized scholarly significance with high visibility and influence among researchers in the various research domains in different countries and is regularly cited all over the world.

“The Terror” originally was broadcast on AMC in 2018/2019.

“The Terror” is currently available for viewing on Prime Video.

With all the problems in the world, from massive inequality to the climate crisis, you’d think voluntary guidelines to improve corporate environmental and social practices would be a no-brainer. After all, addressing those critical issues can also boost a company’s bottom line.

But for companies with business models based on activities that harm the air, water and soil and create greater inequalities, ESG (environmental, social and governance) investor policies are a threat. That’s why Big Oil is fighting back. Much of the “anti-woke” rhetoric you hear from right-wing politicians and media is funded by fossil fuel interests.

Given what we know about the industry’s decades-long efforts to stall action on climate change by sowing doubt and confusion regarding the clear scientific evidence, it’s no surprise that the same people are putting enormous amounts of money and resources into obstructing efforts to introduce greater corporate responsibility. ESG encourages investors to consider criteria such as environmental risk, pay equity and transparency in accounting.

A report from U.S.-based Pleiades Strategy found that in 2023, fossil fuel money was behind 165 pieces of legislation introduced in 37 states “to weaponize government funds, contracts, and pensions to prevent companies and investors from considering commonplace risk factors in making responsible, risk-adjusted investment decisions.”

Most of the legislation, aimed at restricting the use of ESG investment criteria, was based on “model bills circulated by right-wing organizations that targeted diverse aspects of state financial regulation…”

Those organizations get much of their support from fossil fuel interests. They include four of the country’s most influential think tanks: the American Legislative Exchange Council, Heritage Foundation, Heartland Institute and Foundation for Government Accountability. All are affiliated with the State Policy Network, which receives funding from the fossil fuel billionaire Koch family, the Guardian reports.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (which gets money from Koch-supported organizations, as well as ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron) and oil and gas lobbyist the American Petroleum Institute have also been involved.

Some have worked to get laws passed to severely punish people protesting pipelines.

The study found the groups had limited success, getting only 22 of the proposed 165 anti-ESG laws passed, thanks to opposition from business, labour and environmental advocates, but laws that did pass — even those that were watered down — could affect climate and other policies to protect people and the planet.

Report co-author Connor Gibson warned that lack of success isn’t likely to deter oil interests. “We think this is the latest iteration of climate denial and obstruction and delay,” he told the Guardian.

It’s astounding that people would put their short-term economic interests ahead of human health, well-being and survival, but that’s what they’re doing with greenwashing, furtive propaganda campaigns and influence over politicians, governments and media.

The fossil fuel economy is about more than just money, though. It’s also about consolidating power and wealth, which creates greater inequality. It’s far more difficult for a small number of people and companies to control access to energy and the wealth it generates when it comes from sun and wind rather than coal, oil and gas.

Numerous studies show the clean energy transition would save enormous amounts of money in everything from health care to energy expenses and that continuing to use coal, oil and gas will become increasingly costly and deadly.

Leaving fossil fuels behind won’t even be that hard on investors, according to a recent study published in Joule. It found that in high-income countries, the richest 10 per cent would bear two-thirds of investment losses from scaling back fossil fuel production, with the wealthiest one per cent taking half that hit. Because most moneyed people have diverse portfolios, the study found, losses would only make up about one per cent of their net wealth.

Researchers also found it would be cost-effective for governments to compensate those less well off for any losses.

We have every reason to switch rapidly from fossil fuels to renewable sources — and to conserve energy and improve efficiency. We’re also increasingly finding that the corporate, political and media justifications for avoiding or delaying the necessary shift are brought to you by the industry itself, often clandestinely.

It’s time to get fossil fuel money out of politics and leave the oil in the ground.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

Canada is home to some of the best dive sites in the world for scuba divers. Learn about some of the best diving locations in Canada here.

Canada may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of scuba diving. However, this vast country offers a wide range of incredible dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. Below, we examine the bestscuba diving locations in Canada for you to add to your dive bucket list.

Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory is on the Bruce Peninsula and offers an amazing freshwater diving experience in the crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay. Tobermory is home to over 20 shipwrecks and is part of two national marine parks: Fathom Five National Marine Park and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Among the most famous wrecks are the Sweepstakes and the Arabia, perfect for divers of all skill levels.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Considered one of the world’s premier cold-water diving destinations, Vancouver Island offers scuba divers a host of unique adventures in marine-rich waters. The island boasts an abundance of sea life, including sea lions, seals, wolf eels, and various species of marine invertebrates. Dive sites like the popular Ogden Point Breakwater in Victoria, Hornby Island, and the Browning Pass near Port Hardy are just a few of the stunning locations for you to explore on Vancouver Island. Plus, there are plenty of other things to do in Vancouver Island between dives, making this spot ideal for vacations and getaways.

Saint Lawrence River, Quebec

Diving in the Saint Lawrence River offers a unique and challenging adventure for experienced divers. This vast waterway, which flows between the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and the United States, is home to numerous shipwrecks, underwater archaeological sites, and a wealth of marine life. Here, you can see beluga whales, Atlantic sturgeon, and countless fish species. Popular dive sites in the region include Brockville, the Empress of Ireland wreck, and Pointe-au-Père.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy boasts the world’s highest tides and more than 12 species of whales, making it one of the best diving locations in Canada. The nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various seabirds. Herring Cove Beach and the St. Croix River offer some of the best diving opportunities in the region.

Churchill, Manitoba

Diving in Churchill, Manitoba, may not be for the faint of heart, but it offers the unique and awe-inspiring experience of snorkeling or diving with beluga whales. Thousands of beluga whales gather in the cold Arctic waters near Churchill every summer, and adventurous divers can join guided tours to swim alongside these gentle creatures.

Conclusion

Canada’s diverse marine landscapes and unique diving opportunities make it an unforgettable destination for scuba divers. Add these destinations to your adventure list, and explore the wonders of Canada’s underwater world.

We have sad news to report as Canadian boating icon Victor Duhamel, the pioneer of Legend Boats, has passed away at age 82.

The well-respected brand has been a figurehead of Canadian boating for over 50 years and has played a pivotal role in Canada’s boating landscape and retail economy. The Whitefish, Ontario company was the first Canadian boat manufacturer to offer complete packages including a boat, motor, and trailer — which offered a simpler and more enjoyable buying experience to go with the company’s well-built products. Legend has been a longstanding benchmark for the Ontario economy, and the Canadian boating market at large, while earning a reputation for quality products and excellent customer service.

The company currently designs and manufactures over 30 models of aluminum fish/ski/cruise boats, four deck boat models, and over 40 models of pontoon boats that are distributed through over 60 Legend dealers across Canada.

We send our condolences to the entire Duhamel family and everyone at Legend. Please see the press release below:

LIVELY, ONTARIO – It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we announce the passing of Victor Duhamel, the dynamic and pioneering co-founder of Legend Boats.

Born on February 15th, 1941 in Lively, Ontario, Victor’s early years at St. Charles Catholic High School laid the foundation for his innovative spirit and business acumen. From humble beginnings selling tires at Duhamel & Dewar alongside friend and business partner Carl Dewar, to being inducted into the Canadian Boating Industry Hall of Fame, Victor’s journey was nothing short of remarkable.

A visionary who saw beyond the waves, Victor transformed the Canadian boating landscape. As co-founders of Legend Boats, he and Carl sensed a niche for boats designed by Canadians for Canadian waters. With trailblazing moves like the introduction of the country’s first fully-priced boat catalogue in 1988, Victor always navigated uncharted waters with confidence. Other industry-firsts, from the revolutionary rear bench that converts into an extended casting deck, to the introduction of sleek molded consoles in aluminum boats, stand testament to his unparalleled creativity.

A Titan of Industry

“I will always remember Vic as a visionary in the marine industry,” says Jamie Dewar, co-CEO and son of Carl Dewar. “His innovative approach to business set new horizons, but it was his deep love for people that truly made waves in our hearts and the industry.”

Beyond his business milestones, Victor’s personal attributes echoed the greatness of his professional achievements. Known for his warmth and friendliness, Victor’s interactions were characterized by a genuine smile and an authentic interest in those he met.

A Family Man

“My father Victor was an incredible family man who worked hard to help create memories for our customers, our work family and our partners in business,” said Marc Duhamel, President and co-CEO. “My father shared a love and passion for everything outdoors. He believed strongly in family and always made time for what is truly important in life, the time we spend with family and friends.”

“He was an incredible husband to my mother, Ruthann, who he fell in love with at first sight and was married to for nearly 60 years. He was an incredible father, grandfather and great grandfather, who always supported each of us to be our best. He was a valued mentor who always took the time to teach and share his experience. An incredible story teller, my father lived life to the fullest and has shared more stories than I can ever recount. He shared these over and over and we will miss them.”

“He will be fondly remembered by everyone he met. My dad would meet people and form the deepest relationships with them. He loved everyone and always wanted to hear their story. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. His legacy will endure.”

The King of the Road

Dubbed the “King of the Road” by the Sudbury Star, Victor’s love for North American landscapes was evident. His passion for RV travels showcased his insatiable wanderlust and zest for adventure.

“When I think back of the times with Dad, we spent a lot of time together traveling,” said Jeff Duhamel, Business Development Manager. “My father’s adventurous spirit was passed on to us at a very young age. He was an RV enthusiast. With my mom Ruthann, myself, my brothers Todd and Marc, and my sister Nicole, my Dad has taken us in an RV all over Canada and the USA.”

“The things we have seen and done may be more than most get to experience in a lifetime. His generosity and curiosity took us not just to places but to meeting all types of people from literally all over the world. He would talk to anyone, about anything and always found each person he encountered fascinating in their own way.”

“My father was a natural born salesperson. To him it was not about the sale but rather the relationships he made and built that mattered to him the most. I sit and think about how many families he helped create memories with over his many years in the marine and RV world.”

“Dad, your strength, dedication and love have built a strong family foundation. Thank you for guiding us along our way to make our lives full of success, loving families and memories made together.”

A Legacy That Transcends Generations

His legacy is not just etched in the innovations he brought to the industry but also in the vibrant family business that continues to thrive. With his sons Marc and Jeff Duhamel at the helm of various facets of the business, and his grandchildren gearing up to carry forward his indomitable spirit, Victor’s legacy is poised to sail into the future.

Victor’s passing is an immeasurable loss to the Legend Boats family, the boating community, and Canada. He leaves behind a sea of memories, innovations, and a legacy that will continue to influence and inspire for generations. Details regarding memorial services and remembrances will be communicated in due course.

BoatBlurb Newsletter

From 1914 to 1924, the Port Nelson dredger operated in Manitoba, Canada.

Dredging is excavation that takes place in shallow or open ocean waters, partially or entirely underwater. By collecting and moving bottom sediments, it helps with coastal protection, land reclamation, and coastal redevelopment while maintaining the navigability of waterways and ports. Dredging typically has two main goals: to recover valuable or useful material or to increase the depth of the water.

The Polson Ironworks in Toronto, Ontario was given a contract by Canada’s Department of Railways and Canals to build a sizable suction dredger to aid in the construction of Port Nelson, the nation’s first port on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. She was finished in March 1914 and towed to Hudson’s Bay, where she ran aground as soon as she arrived in September. She was thrown onto the man-made island she helped to create by a storm in 1924, where her wreck is still visible today.

She was 180 feet (55 meters) long, had a beam of 43 feet (13 meters), a draft of 6 feet (1.8 meters), carried a crew of 35, and had a displacement of 1200 tonnes.

Around 1,000 people made up Port Nelson’s peak population at the beginning of the 20th century, but it is now a ghost town.

YouTube Video

A Canadian company called InFocus Canada specializes in producing exquisite fashion scarves that feature pictures taken by well-known professional photographers and are made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. We collaborate with top photographers from around the world to exhibit their stunning and impactful work through the medium of wearable art because we believe in the ability of an image to inspire action. We support philanthropy and donate 10% of the proceeds from our scarf sales to various foundations and charities. We pledge to use only ethical and sustainable production methods and materials, and we only partner with businesses whose environmental and CSR policies have been independently audited by a third party. We are committed to offering exquisite fashion items because we believe that beauty can inspire and empower those who wear it.

Our Core Values

• Commitment to Excellence
• Honesty and Integrity
• Environmental and Social Consciousness
• Support of Creativity and the Arts
• Community of Trust
• Respect and Inclusivity
• Operate with Heart and Dedication

Mission Statement

At InFocus Canada, our goal is to support professional photographers and their work while also supporting significant charities through the lens of sustainable fashion.

We put heart and dedication into everything we do.

Each and every one of our scarves is created in a BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)-certified facility using GRS (Global Recycled Standard)-certified recycled fabric.

The first three collections (2021) included a National Geographic photographer, a Pulitzer Prize winner, an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, filmmakers, a Canadian Geographic photographer-in-residence, and, most recently, a group of powerful women photographers who are all changemakers working to make our world a better place — Ami Vitale, Michelle Valberg, and Deanne Fitzpatrick.

Learn more about InFocus Canada

After being launched in Cleveland for her initial owners, R. John W. Moore, et al., on April 7, 1887, The Mather experienced a number of mishaps and ownership changes. On October 20, 1887, the tug Mystic tow her to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with broken machinery as she made her way from Sandusky, Ohio to Duluth, Minnesota. She was sold to Samuel Mather, et al. of Cleveland, Ohio, on May 9th, 1888. She was harmed by a strong gale on August 11th, 1888, near Detour, Michigan, and later repaired in Cleveland. She was sold to James Pickard, et al. of the Interlake Transportation Company on April 13, 1889. She towed the Senator and the Winana in June 1889. She was defamed for sinking the steamer Ohio on September 30, 1890. A steamer that transported coal, the Mather “perished with an abnormal cargo of wheat.”

The wooden Mather was rammed on the starboard side near the aft hatch by the steel package freighter Brazil on November 22, 1891, at 2:00 am while she was headed down from Duluth, Minnesota to Buffalo, New York with a load of 58,000 bushels of wheat. This incident occurred in Whitefish Bay, which is located 8 miles (13 km) north of Point Iroquois, during a dense, heavy fog. On her starboard side, the collision left an 11-foot (3.4 m) hole. The crew of twenty sustained no casualties. Her crew managed to escape with her lifeboats during the 25 minutes she was at sea, but they were left without any personal belongings. The Brazil picked up the crew, who were then moved to the steamer Parks Foster to be taken to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Brazil continued on to Duluth with her load of coal, where it was discovered that the collision had broken three frames and a stringer. The Mather was worth $50,000, and when combined with her wheat cargo, the loss was estimated to be over $226,000.

Bob Smith of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan made the discovery of the Mather’s wreck in May 1978, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) has produced a substantial amount of film about it. The Mather’s artifacts were taken by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society for preservation and display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, according to shipwreck historian Janice Gerred. The 1980 Michigan Antiquities Act, however, made it illegal to take items from shipwrecks on Great Lakes bottomlands. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and GLSHS offices were raided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment in 1992, and among the items seized were some that had been forcibly removed from the Samuel Mather in the 1980s. As a result of a 1993 settlement agreement with the GLSHS following the DNR raid on the museum in 1992, artifacts from the Mather’s wreck are on display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum as a loan from the State of Michigan. The Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve has begun to protect the Samuel Mather’s wreck as part of an underwater museum.

According to Stonehouse, the Mather’s wreck is “one of the best known examples of a wooden freighter that is still available for examination.”The Mather, which sits upright with an intact deck and a largely intact stern superstructure, is a well-liked wreck site for scuba diving. She is in excellent condition overall, probably because she sank gradually enough for pressures to equalize. She has a mast that is 75 feet high, a deck that is 155 feet high, and a bottom that is 180 feet deep.

Despite not being the deepest dive in the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, the Mather claimed the lives of three scuba divers: one in 1998, one in 1999, and one in 2012, despite not being the deepest dive.

Harrington, a Great Lakes diver, issues this warning: “Divers must be certain of their abilities and equipment” when diving the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

As the temperatures drop and winter begins to take hold in many parts of the world, November opens a unique window of opportunity for avid scuba divers. With fewer tourists, milder weather, and exceptional marine encounters, this month beckons adventurers to explore the underwater wonders of these top scuba diving destinations.

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Known as the Valley Isle, Maui offers an enchanting underwater world that thrives year-round. In November, the island enjoys calm seas and comfortable water temperatures, providing the perfect backdrop for diving excursions. Dive Molokini Crater to witness colorful coral gardens, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and playful spinner dolphins.

Curaçao, Caribbean

Curaçao is a hidden gem in the southern Caribbean, and November is an excellent time to discover its underwater treasures. With warm waters, great visibility, and vibrant coral reefs, this island paradise promises fantastic diving experiences. Explore the Blue Room cave, navigate through underwater tunnels, and encounter a plethora of marine life, including seahorses and frogfish.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

November is the start of the warmer season in the Galápagos Islands, making it an optimal time for divers to explore this unique archipelago. Dive alongside hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and marine iguanas in the company of expert guides who provide insights into Charles Darwin’s natural laboratory.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, the Island of the Gods, offers enchanting dive sites year-round. In November, as the wet season begins to fade, divers can explore crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the famous USS Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben. Don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing mola mola (sunfish) in season.

Socorro Island, Mexico

Socorro Island, also known as the “Mexican Galápagos,” is a remote destination accessible by liveaboard only. November brings mild weather and opportunities to encounter large pelagic species, including giant manta rays, humpback whales, and hammerhead sharks. It’s a haven for advanced divers seeking thrilling encounters in open waters.

Fiji

Fiji’s warm, tropical waters and welcoming locals make it a popular diving destination year-round. In November, you’ll experience fewer crowds and ideal conditions for exploring soft coral gardens, swim-throughs, and underwater caves. The Great Astrolabe Reef and the Beqa Lagoon are must-visit spots to discover Fiji’s marine biodiversity.

The Azores, Portugal

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer unique diving experiences with volcanic seascapes, deep-blue waters, and an abundance of marine life. November brings cooler temperatures, but the diving is still exceptional. Explore underwater hot springs, caves, and the chance to encounter majestic devil rays and blue sharks.

Malaysia: Sipadan and Mabul Islands

For a November diving adventure with a touch of seclusion, head to Sipadan and Mabul Islands in Malaysia. These islands offer excellent visibility, diverse marine life, and world-class dive sites. Swim alongside turtles, barracudas, and schools of jacks at Sipadan’s famed drop-offs.

Before you embark on your November scuba diving escapades, ensure you have the necessary certifications, gear, and local knowledge to dive safely. Whether you’re an experienced diver seeking thrilling encounters or a novice explorer looking to dive into a new passion, these destinations promise unforgettable underwater adventures this November. Dive in and discover the magic that lies beneath the surface!

Start planning your next scuba diving holiday at: https://www.scubadivertravel.com

Fourth Element are excited to bring you the NEW Argonaut 3.0 Drysuit, with enhanced design, greater flexibility and more ways to design your own personal drysuit.

Engineered to move with you, the new Argonaut 3.0 design allows perfect fit and freedom of movement when diving in trim.

A New Standard in Flexibility and Fit

The Argonaut 3.0 emphasizes enhanced design features, offering greater flexibility and customization options for divers. Its impeccable fit ensures divers can move with ease, especially while diving in trim.

AFT – Articulated For Trim

Taking dive comfort to new levels, the Argonaut 3.0, optimized for diving in horizontal trim, features a distinctive leg design. This unique cut offers uninhibited freedom across the knees and thighs, promising complete comfort throughout the dive.

Sleeker Silhouette with Enhanced Features

The redesigned telescopic torso fits more closely to the body, delivering a streamlined silhouette. In addition, the new warm neck collar system is intuitively designed to tuck away hood skirts swiftly and securely.

Flexibility & Advanced Gas Management

The composite dry zipper, running from right shoulder to left hip, not only enhances flexibility and fit but also optimizes gas management, especially when dumping air from the left shoulder.

Wrist Seal Customizations

Divers can now choose from glued-in latex or neoprene wrist seals, the Ellipse wrist system, Si-Tech, QCP Ultima, or the new intuitive PSI system.

Unique for Each Diver

New colour options and colourways (two blue tones, grey and black in Stealth, and the standard black in Flex) means divers can mix and match the colour of their Argonaut 3.0. Designed for fourth element’s award winning BIOMAP measuring system, this is a truly bespoke drysuit, tailored for each unique diver.

Available at https://www.fourthelement.com and through Argonaut dealers worldwide.

Bret Clifton Gilliam, a pioneering figure in the world of technical diving and a prolific writer, has passed away. He was born on February 3, 1951, and his remarkable life was filled with groundbreaking achievements and contributions to the diving community.

Bret Gilliam is best known as the co-founder of Technical Diving International (TDI), alongside Mitch Skaggs, a certification agency that revolutionized diving practices. He also held the world record for deep diving on air at one point in his career. His passion for the underwater world extended to his writing, where he authored or co-authored 72 books and penned over 1500 feature magazine articles. His work graced the covers of over 100 magazines, making him one of the most popular writers in the diving industry.

Throughout his diving journey, spanning from 1959, Bret logged an impressive 19,000 dives. His remarkable accomplishments extended beyond the ocean’s depths. He became a multimillionaire through the successful sale of several businesses, including Technical Diving International, V. I. Divers Ltd., AMF Yacht Charters, Ocean Quest Cruise Lines, G2 Publishing (Fathoms Magazine), Sea Ventures Ltd., and Uwatec. Some of these enterprises grew into multinational conglomerates, with an aggregate value exceeding $80 million at the time of sale.

Bret Gilliam’s expertise was sought after in legal matters related to diving and maritime affairs. Since 1971, he operated Ocean Tech, providing expert witness testimony in over 400 legal cases, ranging from defense to plaintiff litigation. His contributions to the field were substantial, and in a notable case, he played a pivotal role as a maritime and diving expert witness, resulting in a $12 million settlement in May 2015.

Gilliam’s influence extended to criminal trials and military court martial proceedings for the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a Special Consultant to various U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Bret Gilliam was born at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to Commander Gill Gilliam and Jeanne Gilliam. He was the eldest of three children. Tragically, his younger brother Chris was murdered in 1972 at the age of 16 while attending an outdoor concert in Puerto Rico.

His diving journey began in 1959 when he started training with Lt. Chuck Brestle at the Naval Air Station Key West. He attended several high schools, including Virginia Beach High School and Brunswick High School, graduating in 1969. In high school, he excelled as an athlete, participating in football, ice hockey, baseball, swimming, and track. He also represented Hobie and Hansen surfboards as a surfing competitor from 1965 to 1970.

Gilliam pursued higher education at the University of Maine and Bowdoin College, focusing on history and political science. Despite winning a National ROTC Scholarship in 1968, he was drawn to the Navy’s deep diving project, where he documented nuclear fast attack submarines. This decision led him away from his undergraduate studies and into the world of business when he founded Ocean Tech.

During his career, Gilliam held various diving jobs and even pursued a semi-professional surfing career. In 1971, he worked as a diving Supervisor for Vocaline Air Sea Technology (VAST Inc.) in the Caribbean, where his interest in underwater photography was sparked. Tragically, in 1972, he faced a harrowing experience when his dive buddy Rod Temple was attacked by oceanic whitetip sharks and lost his life. Gilliam’s heroic attempt to save Temple was commended by the Virgin Islands’ Governor, despite the near-death experience he endured.

In 1973, Gilliam established V.I. Divers Ltd., a dive resort catering to both recreational and scientific divers. The company also provided location services for various film and television productions. In 1977, he founded AMF Yacht Charters Ltd., specializing in luxury motor yacht charters. These companies were sold in 1985, and Gilliam ventured into the cruise ship industry as the Vice President & CEO of Ocean Quest International.

Gilliam’s achievements reached great depths, quite literally, when he performed a deep air dive to 452 feet in Roatán in 1990, breaking his own record in 1993 by reaching 475 feet.

His contributions to the diving industry extended to his involvement with the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD) and the subsequent formation of Technical Diving International (TDI). TDI became the largest technical training agency globally, with offices in 26 countries.

International Training Inc. served as the parent company for TDI, Scuba Diving International (SDI), and Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI). Gilliam’s leadership was instrumental in the early success of TDI until the company was sold in 2004.

Gilliam also led UWATEC USA and played a crucial role in its sale to Johnson Outdoors. His expertise extended to the medical field for divers when he served as the president and CEO of DiveSafe Insurance Inc.

In addition to his business endeavors, Bret Gilliam served as a publisher, editor, and contributor to several diving magazines, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Bret Gilliam’s legacy in the world of diving, business, and writing is immeasurable. His pioneering spirit, relentless pursuit of excellence, and unwavering dedication to the underwater world have left an enduring impact on the diving community. He will be remembered as a true visionary and a beloved figure in the world of diving and exploration. Bret Gilliam’s contributions will continue to inspire generations of divers and adventurers to come.

Tragedy struck the world of cave exploration as acclaimed cave diver, technical diver, and explorer Brett Hemphill lost his life while exploring the challenging Phantom Springs cave system in Texas. Hemphill, who was also the president of the non-profit organization Karst Underwater Research, dedicated his life to the exploration, study, and preservation of underwater karst environments.

The incident, which claimed the life of the experienced diver, occurred in the depths of Phantom Springs, known as the deepest natural cave in the United States. The exact details surrounding the tragic event remain scarce, but the cave has earned its reputation as an exceptionally demanding and treacherous system, requiring divers of the highest skill and experience.

Brett Hemphill was a well-respected figure in the world of cave and technical diving, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Throughout his career, he made pioneering contributions to sidemount configurations and played a pivotal role in the exploration, mapping, and research of underwater caves for several decades.

Award-winning underwater photographer and videographer Becky Kagan Schott, who had collaborated with Hemphill on numerous documentaries, expressed her disbelief and shock at his untimely passing in a heartfelt statement on Facebook. She reminisced about their two-decade-long friendship and their shared adventures.

“Brett B Hemphill, you’ve helped me since I was 18, you believed in me, you took me to places I never could have imagined in my dreams,” Schott wrote. “Your jokes and positive attitude were infectious. Your thirst for knowledge and pushing caves further was admirable. I loved hearing the excitement in your voice when you talked about caves. Your enthusiasm never failed, and it always felt new and exciting. You were a true explorer and a true friend.”

Schott’s tribute to Hemphill highlighted the lasting impact of their collaboration, which included filming documentaries in various underwater cave systems, such as Florida, the Bahamas, Yucatan, and Phantom Springs. Together, they received accolades, including Emmy awards, for their work in educating the public about safety in cave exploration and the allure of these mysterious underground worlds.

The news of Brett Hemphill’s passing has left a void in the tight-knit community of cave and technical divers, and he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to the exploration and preservation of these unique and challenging environments.

In a heartwarming blend of eco-consciousness and charity, Diveheart’s adaptive scuba therapy programs are making waves by harnessing the power of recycled wetsuits. This innovative initiative not only aids children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities but also takes a significant step towards sustainability.

The journey begins when old, worn-out wetsuits find a new purpose at Lava Rubber, a recycling facility nestled in the scenic landscapes of New Jersey. Here, these tired diving companions are reborn as versatile coasters, soothing yoga mats, and inviting welcome mats. It’s a remarkable transformation that breathes new life into these discarded materials, diverting them from the dreaded fate of landfills.

So, the next time you slip into your wetsuit for an underwater adventure, remember that it’s not just a gear change; it’s a chance to make a positive impact, one recycled wetsuit at a time. Diveheart and Lava Rubber are not only fostering a love for the deep blue but also leaving a lasting imprint on our planet.

Learn more about Diveheart at: https://www.diveheart.org and watch a great video of the recycling journey at: https://fb.watch/nsddrLuAh2/

Winterizing is one of those joys (or necessary tasks – depending on your outlook) of boating in Canada, or almost anywhere in North America unless you boat in southern Florida or southern California.

“Necessary” in the sense of protecting onboard systems involving fresh water to prevent freezing over the winter layup period and causing expensive damage come spring. Potentially “joyful” in the sense that it provides an opportunity to clean, refresh, and protect your boat, the pastime that provides you and your family so much enjoyment.

The following is not intended to be a step-by-step series of instructions on how to complete each task as that would take pages. Rather, it is an overview of “to-do” items you should consider depending on your available time and talents. Those freshwater onboard systems must be winterized carefully and completely, whereas other items are optional but desirable to enhance the life, appearance, and enjoyment of your boat.

For the essential systems in the first section below, if you are not mechanically inclined or do not possess the necessary tools, it is highly recommended you have your favourite qualified marine dealer complete those tasks for you. Also, if these systems, especially the engine and drive train are still under manufacturer’s warranty, it is highly recommended that a qualified dealer perform these tasks and take responsibility for performing them “by the book.”

Essential Onboard Items Requiring Winterization

1) General Guidelines:

A) For detailed step-by-step winterizing procedures for all of the essential items below, consult the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for each one, or alternatively the manufacturer’s website will provide these step-by-step instructions to properly complete each task.

B) Compressed air is now being used more and more by marine dealers to “blow” the water out of lines, tanks, and pumps. They choose this method to eliminate the use of much of non-toxic antifreeze which has to be environmentally and properly disposed of. There are risks in using compressed air and if you are not careful, you could cause damage with over-pressurization. There is also the possibility of not eliminating all water gathered in nooks and crannies in the system.

C) Use of non-toxic antifreeze remains the winterizing method of choice as, if used properly, will circulate into every place where water has been and thus provide the necessary protection from freezing. Non-toxic antifreeze is propylene glycol and is safe for water systems. It is also relatively safer in case some should accidentally spill into the environment. Never ever use ethylene glycol, which is the antifreeze used in your automobile radiator as it is highly toxic both to you and our environment. Even when using non-toxic antifreeze for winterizing, take precautions to catch any overflow in containers as opposed to letting it spill onto land or into our lakes and rivers. This especially applies come springtime when you are flushing the non-toxic antifreeze out of your various systems. Any “used” antifreeze you are being rid of must be properly disposed of at a toxic waste disposal facility often found at your local municipal landfill facility.

Always choose a non-toxic antifreeze (pink in colour) which has the lowest possible freezing rating, usually prominently displayed on the front of the jug. A minus 50-degrees Celsius rating is common but if you can find some with an even lower rating, please spend the extra few dollars. The reason is that some small bits of water may still be trapped in places, thus diluting the antifreeze and reducing its effectiveness.

D) Almost all the systems listed below will have an inline filter/sea strainer near the source of the incoming water where it feeds the engine or pump as the case may be. This filter should be removed and cleaned or replaced depending whether it is reusable or not.

E) Before you haul your boat from the water for the final time prior to winterizing, add a fuel conditioner to your fuel tank (especially essential for diesel fuel), then then run your engine for at least fifteen minutes to ensure the conditioner is present throughout the fuel-feed system and into the engine. This includes running your generator, too. Then fill your fuel tank to prevent the build-up of condensation in your fuel tank over the winter layup period.

F) If you have a toilet on board, get a pumpout and a rinsing of the holding tank prior to any winterizing.

2) Inboard/Sterndrive Engines:

Remove the old crankcase oil in the fall so that the acidic deposits from combustion don’t sit inside your engine all winter. Warm up your engine to make the oil flow easier, then change the oil and oil filter, and run the engine again for a few minutes to allow the fresh oil to coat the internal surfaces. Change the fuel and water separating filter (if any). Run the engine briefly out of the water to force as much water out as possible. Replace with non-toxic antifreeze. This may involve using “earmuffs” over the water intake on the outdrive. Check the level and quality of antifreeze in the reservoir of the fresh-water cooling system (if any) and top up or replace as needed. Some manufacturers may recommend “fogging” the engine with a special lubricant. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

On an inboard drive system, check the transmission oil for quality and quantity and top up or replace if needed. For a sterndrive system, ensure the outdrive is vertical. Check for quality and quantity of gear oil in the housing. If any water or metal filings are present, now is the time to have the drive removed and the problem fixed. If no problems are spotted, top up or replace the lower unit gear oil according to manufacturer’s recommendations – sometimes every year; sometimes every two years. Tilt up the drive and inspect the rubber boots encasing cables, water lines, and exhaust. Any unusual wear, tears, or cracks will necessitate the replacing of these boots.

Finally, encase the propeller in a sturdy plastic bag to prevent rain or melt water from entering the propeller housing and freezing, or if necessary remove the propeller and store indoors.

3) Outboard and Jet Drive Engines:

Today’s outboard and jet drive engines are extremely sophisticated and it is important you follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Flour stroke engines will require engine oil and oil filter changes, as well as fuel filter and water-separating filter changes. Modern two-stroke engines are much more sophisticated than those of your father’s, and therefore it is most important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. The oil in the gear cases in the lower housing needs to be checked, as in the sterndrive as indicated in the above section. Engine “fogging” is generally recommended for older two-stroke outboards. Most outboards automatically drain cooling water from the engine block when in a vertical position. As with a sterndrive, bag or remove the propeller as indicated in the above section.

4) Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Transom Showers, Freshwater Washdowns, and Hot Water Tanks:

For a recirculating “chemical” toilet, add non-toxic antifreeze to the attached tank and operate the hand pump mechanism until some antifreeze comes through into the toilet bowl.

For manual, electric, and vacuum-style toilets with separate holding tanks, first drain the onboard fresh water tank. Then flush the toilet a few times to remove any remaining water in the lines. Remove the water supply hose at its source, insert into a jug of non-toxic antifreeze. Flush the toilet until only the pink antifreeze comes through. Leave some antifreeze in the bowl all winter.

For sinks and showers, first turn off (and tape off) the hot water heater electrical breaker, and drain the hot water tank using the drain spigot at the bottom of the tank. Then turn on the fresh water pump and open all faucets, cold and hot until only air comes out. Remove the water supply hoses, hot and cold at their source, and insert into a jug of non-toxic antifreeze. Open all faucets starting with the ones furthest from the source until only the pink antifreeze comes out each one. Don’t forget your transom shower, cockpit sink, and freshwater washdown as well as your ice maker.

Don’t forget your (usually raw water) anchor washdown and raw water cockpit washdowns, if any. These will be separate from your fresh water systems. Also remember your dockside pressure water inlet. Finally, run your shower sump pump to get rid of as much water as possible and then add antifreeze and pump again until the pink comes out. Catch all antifreeze being expelled by sink drains or the shower sump drain and any other drains on the outside of your boat using jugs or basins.

Air Conditioner systems must also be winterized using antifreeze as they utilize raw water pumped in and out. These are tricky, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for winterizing.

Finally, scrub your bilge with a biodegradable cleaner to remove any oil film and residue. Rinse with water and pump your bilge (while catching all effluent on the outside of the boat), then put antifreeze in your bilge and bilge it again. Then remove your hull drain plug and put it in a safe place for the winter where you will not forget to replace it prior to launching.

5) Non-Essential but Desirable Winterizing Activities

When the boat comes out of the water for the final time and while it is still wet, clean the hull bottom with a scrub brush and biodegradable cleaners if necessary. Later you can decide on full topsides and hullsides washing and waxing. Remove all contents from the anchor and transom lockers, clean and dry them thoroughly (as well as lines and fenders), then dry these lockers prior to reloading the contents.

Unless your boat is destined for indoor heated storage, condensation will form on any enclosed surfaces which include the interior and the cockpit since it will be enclosed with a tarp or shrink wrap. Purchase some moisture-absorbing products readily available at any marine dealer and spread these containers liberally throughout the enclosed area per the instructions on the product. This is all in aid of the prevention of mold and mildew.

To further aid in this regard, remove as many cushions, pillows, bedding, curtains, PFD’s etc. as possible and store them aired-out indoors. Remove as much canvas as practical and first clean and then store similarly. Open as many hatches and cupboards as possible and leave them propped open. Do the same with any microwave, fridge, or freezer doors. Leave all remaining cushions, mattresses, etc. propped up to let air circulate around them.

Ensure all batteries are fully charged and preferably remove them from the boat for the winter. Clean the terminals. Finally, ensure the battery switches and shore power are all turned off. You are now ready to tarp or shrink wrap ensuring that there is venting to allow air circulation. If you are storing your boat on a trailer, then best to rest the trailer frame on blocks to take the weight off the suspension and tires. It is also a great theft deterrent.

BoatBlurb Newsletter

The Henry Steinbrenner freighter had a 31-person crew when it sank in a Lake Superior storm in 1953, according to a recent discovery. It went down, south of Isle Royale.

The Great Lakes freighter SS Henry Steinbrenner was primarily built for the iron ore, coal, and grain trades on the Great Lakes. It measured 427 feet (130 m) in length, 50 feet (15 m) in width, and 28 feet (8.5 m) in depth. She was launched as hull number 14 by the Jenks Ship Building Co. of Port Huron, Michigan after being ordered by the Kinsman Transit Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. She had a forward forecastle with crew cabins on top, followed by a cabin and pilot house. With the exception of 12 hatches outfitted with telescoping type hatch covers, the middle section was a long, nearly flat deck over the cargo holds.

The Steinbrenner’s first two decades on the Great Lakes were full of excitement. On December 6, 1909, the Steinbrenner was loaded with iron ore and headed downward when she collided with the nearly-new SS Harry A. Berwind on the St. Marys River. On May 10, 1910, the Steinbrenner was recovered, repaired, and put back into service after it sank in the river and was deemed a total constructive loss. She would go back to her rather uneventful trading routine until she ran into another ship again. She hit the SS John McCartney Kennedy this time in a murky Whitefish Bay, but she was able to stay afloat. After spending $5000 on repairs, she started trading again.

Final Voyage

On May 10, 1953, at 5:11 AM, the 52-year-old ship sailed from Superior, Wisconsin, carrying close to 7000 tons of iron ore for the Lake Erie steel mills. Although the weather was favourable at the time, forecasts for the rest of the day called for rougher conditions. For Captains at this time, setting sail despite unfavourable forecasts wasn’t unusual. The majority of Captains and crews had experienced several storms during their careers, but weather reports were less reliable than contemporary forecasts. Later that afternoon, the forecast gale hit, battering the Steinbrenner with strong winds and huge waves. Captain Albert Stiglin secured his ship’s deck but did not order his crew to cover the twelve “Telescoping” leaf-type hatch covers, which were not watertight and allowed some water to seep into the cargo holds. Around eight o’clock in the evening, one of the leaves on hatch number 11 came loose, allowing water to pour into the hold. Crew members were sent to secure the cover, but as the storm grew more intense, 80 mph (129 km/h) winds and big waves managed to work the leaf loose once more. The storm was forcing open doors and vents, which complicated the situation. It was now too dangerous for crews to be on the deck. Despite the start of the pumps, the flooding persisted. Although Captain Stiglin made an effort to prevent further damage from the waves, by morning other hatch covers had become loose and the ship was struggling to make forward motion.

The ship was doomed as soon as a few more manoeuvres were completed. On May 11, 1953, just after 7:00 AM, an SOS was broadcast. The crew gathered at the forward life raft and the rear lifeboats at 7:35 AM when the whistle signalled an abandon ship. There was confusion as the ship sank, and several men were hurt or ended up in the water. 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) south of Isle Royale Light, the ship quickly sank. Following the SOS, a search for survivors was launched by the steamers Wilfred Sykes, Joseph H. Thompson (at the time the largest ship on the lakes), D.M. Clemson, D.G. Kerr, William E. Corey, and the Canadian ship Hochelaga.

Six men were taking refuge in the life raft when it was discovered by the Joseph H. Thompson, which was being commanded by Captain Robert F. Leng. One lifeboat was discovered by the D.M. Clemson, which was commanded by Captain Arthur M. Everett. Captain Everett carefully manoeuvred the Clemson to position the lifeboat in the ship’s lee in the face of strong winds and choppy seas, and then had the survivors hoisted aboard with ropes. After that, the men were brought to the captain’s quarters where they were given hot food and clean clothing. The men from the other life boat were saved by the Wilfred Sykes.

17 men ultimately perished in the tragedy. The crew was blamed for not covering the hatches with tarpaulins, but in a storm of that size, even tarpaulins might not have been sufficient to keep the Henry Steinbrenner afloat. The sinking of the Steinbrenner made Great Lakes vessel owners more determined to retrofit some of their older ships with watertight single piece hatch covers.

Norm Bragg, who survived this wreck in Lake Superior, was a watchman on board the SS Daniel J. Morrell when it sank in Lake Huron. He helped that crew understand their plight, gave quick advice and said, “It’s been good to know you.”

17 crew members died and 14 were rescued from the frigid waters.

In September 2023, Jerry Eliason and Ken Merryman found the ship in 750 feet (230 meters) of water, surrounded by its iron ore cargo.

Toronto, Ont./ Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation — Ecojustice lawyer, Laura Bowman, has welcomed the reversal of the decision by the Ontario government to remove 7,400 acres of environmentally sensitive land from the Greenbelt. This is a key victory for everyone in Ontario including dedicated community activists, environmental groups, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples.

Following the announcement this afternoon by Premier Ford, she said:

“Greenbelt giveaways were never going to meet our affordable housing needs. Finally, today the Ontario government put the brakes on one key part of a biased process that is undermining plans to develop in urban areas.

“Developing on the Greenbelt would have resulted in large, unsustainable, and unaffordable homes. Destroying environmentally sensitive land, and destroying Ontario’s future food security, is not the answer to Ontario’s housing crisis.

“But the provincial government is still using poor planning policies such as highways through the Greenbelt and forcing communities like Hamilton to expand onto greenspaces. These are big giveaways to many of the same speculators who benefited from the Greenbelt removals, and many followed the same kind of biased, chaotic process. These other attacks on greenspace around the Greenbelt and across Southern Ontario need to be reversed too.

“It is time for this provincial government to stop treating our greenspace like a windfall to be granted to whoever comes begging and return to balanced planning to protect the environment, health and people.

“Today’s decision is thanks to the journalists who have covered this scandal, to the local communities who rallied and campaigned for its reversal, and to environmental groups like Ecojustice and our allies who highlighted the importance of the Greenbelt to this province.”

About:

Ecojustice uses the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change, and fight for a healthy environment. Its strategic, public interest lawsuits and advocacy lead to precedent-setting court decisions and law and policy that deliver lasting solutions to Canada’s most urgent environmental problems.

Ecojustice Newsletter

I have always been an outdoors person. From playing football when I was younger, to going on adventurous activity weeks and taking my first try dive back in 2003. This was my first step to exploring a whole new world. 

I joined the Royal Military Police in March 2010 and upon completing training I was sent to Bulford, Wiltshire where I honed my skills in both police work and soldering field skills. Perhaps one of the most memorable experiences was going to Kenya on a training exercise for 7 weeks, during which we got the chance to do adventurous training including a walk around a nature reserve with a Maasi Warrior!

A few years later, whilst serving in Cyprus, I found a passion for scuba diving. What better place to learn. Here I completed my BSAC Ocean Diver and Sports Diver courses and spent many dives on the Zenobia wreck. During my second posting to Cyprus I completed my Dive Leader, Advanced Diver and Open Water Instructor courses.

In 2020, having been promoted to Sergeant, a milestone for me and my career, I decided that a new challenge was what I was looking for and in 2022 I left the British Army and moved to Greece with my wife. This is where I discovered the great diving opportunities Greece has to offer us wreck lovers.

In January 2023 I was offered the chance of a lifetime, working in Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll – a scuba divers dream. With both being destinations on my bucket list, it was very hard to say no, so I jumped on a plane and made the two and a half day journey into the Pacific Ocean. This was an incredible experience and I feel very privileged to have dived in those remote and fascinating places, and to have completed almost 100 dives in each location.

Upon returning home from Bikini Atoll, crossing the international date line and having the chance to redo a day, feeling like groundhog day but in Hawaii, I eventually made it back to Europe, where I embarked on the next leg of my dive professional journey. I completed an instructor crossover with Scuba Schools International to become an Advanced Open Water Instructor.

Now I am back in Greece briefly before embarking on my CCR MOD 3 course, BSAC Technical Instructor course and back to Malta to complete the SSI XR crossover and join their technical instructor programme. 

It has been a long and arduous journey, and this is just the beginning, but if it was easy it wouldn’t be fun.

The Aqualung Group and Whites Drywear, owned by Frank White, have come to an agreement whereby Whites Drywear will begin production of drysuits in Saanichton, B.C., commencing October 2nd, 2023.
Whites Drywear is assuming the factory space where Aqualung has operated since 2010, in the building owned by Mr. White. Whites will produce drysuits under its own Whites Drywear brand name and for Aqualung’s brands under contract.

Mr. White and his factory staff have a long history in the industry with combined experience adding up to close to 350 years. With Mr. Whites knowledge of manufacturing, product development and sales he says he looks forward to the coming years doing what he loves most.

“It is great to have the team back together and operate my own factory again. I am proud to say we are the leading edge in the manufacturing of drysuits (we are the oldest continuous running drysuit factory in North America). We are starting off on a strong footing having been awarded a multi-year contract with the Canadian Military and an ongoing production agreement for the well-established Aqualung brand.” – Frank White

The team is led by Frank White as President, James Griffiths as CEO and Robert Mark as Plant Manager.

Learn more about Whites Drywear at: https://www.whitesdrywear.com and Aqualung at: https://www.aqualung.com

An overview of Scubagaskets Products and Services to the scuba diving industry

Learn more about Scubagaskets at: https://www.scubagaskets.com

As the summer sun mellows into a gentle warmth and the crowds of tourists begin to dwindle, October presents a golden opportunity for scuba divers to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater realms. With clear waters, pleasant temperatures, and an abundance of marine life, this month promises unforgettable diving experiences. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the best places to go scuba diving in October.

Bonaire, Caribbean

Tucked away in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire boasts some of the most pristine dive sites in the world. October offers ideal conditions with warm waters and excellent visibility. Marine life is abundant here, including vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and the opportunity to spot elusive seahorses. The island’s commitment to marine conservation ensures healthy ecosystems and unforgettable diving adventures.

Cozumel, Mexico

October is the sweet spot between hurricane season and the winter crowds in Cozumel, Mexico. Divers can explore the famous Palancar Reef, a paradise for underwater photographers, and swim alongside gentle nurse sharks and vibrant parrotfish. Cozumel’s warm waters and fascinating underwater topography make it a must-visit for divers seeking diversity.

Maldives

With its idyllic overwater bungalows and crystal-clear waters, the Maldives is a dream destination for divers. October marks the beginning of the dry season, offering calm seas and excellent visibility. Dive into the heart of the Indian Ocean to encounter manta rays, whale sharks, and an array of coral species that make the Maldives a true underwater wonderland.

Hawaii, USA

The Hawaiian Islands are a year-round paradise for divers, but October is especially delightful. Warm water temperatures and a decrease in visitor numbers create a serene atmosphere both above and below the waves. Explore lava tubes, swim with spinner dolphins, and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s unique underwater culture.

Red Sea, Egypt

October is a prime time to explore the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and bustling marine life. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are popular diving hubs that offer warm waters, calm conditions, and incredible biodiversity. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive the world-renowned SS Thistlegorm wreck and witness the vivid colors of the coral gardens.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers diverse underwater landscapes and a pleasant climate throughout the year. October is an excellent time to visit, as water temperatures remain comfortable, and visibility is at its peak. Dive into the underwater volcanic formations, spot angel sharks, and explore the unique underwater sculptures at Museo Atlántico.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

October marks the start of the dry season in Komodo National Park, making it an ideal time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encounter the awe-inspiring Komodo dragons on land and dive into the waters to discover a kaleidoscope of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and vibrant coral gardens.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Venture down under to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest coral reef system. October welcomes mild temperatures and lower tourist numbers, offering divers the opportunity to explore this natural wonder in relative solitude. Swim with green sea turtles, colorful clownfish, and witness the breathtaking coral formations.

Before you embark on your October scuba diving adventure, remember to check local regulations, weather conditions, and dive certifications. Safety should always be a top priority when exploring the wonders of the underwater world. With these top destinations in mind, pack your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable journey beneath the waves this October. Happy diving!

Find your next scuba diving travel location at: https://www.scubadivertravel.com

As you walk outside, watching birds take flight or a squirrel run up a tree, take a moment to consider the activity beneath your feet. A new study shows more than half the world’s life is in soil — including 90 per cent of fungi, 85 per cent of plants and more than 50 per cent of bacteria. Just a teaspoon of healthy soil can contain up to a billion bacteria and more than a kilometre of fungi, Nature reports.

That makes soil “the singular most biodiverse habitat on Earth,” according to the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. We often take soil, and the biodiversity it supports, for granted, but it’s critical to understand it.

“Organisms in soil play an outweighed impact on the balance of our planet. Their biodiversity matters because soil life affects climate change feedbacks, global food security, and even human health,” lead researcher Mark Anthony, an ecologist at the Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, told the Guardian.

Soil, which makes up the top layer of Earth’s crust, is where we grow almost all our food and it’s second only to the ocean for carbon storage. We should dig deeper into understanding it — especially because topsoil degradation and loss are a growing ecological problem. The United Nations says one-third of global soil has already been affected, mainly by intensive agricultural practices that cause and speed up erosion and runoff, nutrient and organic matter depletion and disruption of natural processes and cycles.

Soil can also be susceptible to drought and floods, especially where sustainable agricultural practices aren’t employed. Dry soils don’t support life well and can be too baked to absorb water, making them prone to erosion and nutrient loss during sudden rains, with potential flooding below from runoff.

To address the global heating that’s causing weather to become more extreme and unpredictable, making farming challenging, we must shift to renewable energy, used efficiently and wisely. But there are immediate, proven ways to protect and make better use of the soils we need to grow food — and they come with climate benefits.

Quick-growing cover plants like clover, alfalfa, barley, oats, wheat and legumes can prevent erosion, fix nitrogen, replenish nutrients, control weeds and pests, slow evaporation and reduce ground-level temperatures.

Because ploughing up topsoil to plant seeds for monoculture crops has contributed to soil loss and depletion, no-till farming — gaining widespread acceptance worldwide — also helps, especially combined with cover crops.

The Biggest Little Farm documentary film illustrates (on a relatively small scale) how working with nature can keep soils in place and healthy while producing nutrient-rich, flavourful food, even under increasingly volatile California weather conditions.

As the farm’s website says, “healthy soil is built from the top down, which means every decision we make above it matters. In short this is why ecologically regenerative farming methods that restore biodiversity above and within the soil (cover cropping, compost application, managed grazing, etc.) create some of the most nutrient-dense and flavorful food that only nature can provide.”

Other methods such as agroforestry (integrating trees and shrubs with agriculture), urban and vertical agriculture, a shift toward plant-based diets and more can help maintain and enrich soils while safeguarding the climate, food systems, waterways, lands and ocean.

We must also protect and restore natural lands and the soils within them. We can’t keep paving or planting over forest and wetland soils through which mycelial networks and root systems connect with nutrients, chemical processes, plants, animals and each other, providing services our health and lives depend on — oxygen production, flood control, food, carbon sequestration, animal habitat, recreational opportunities and more.

The study on soil life also reminds us that, although we’ve been developing large-scale agriculture as if we had a complete understanding of natural systems, our knowledge has been and is still lacking. The researchers note that their study’s margin of error is large and that there’s much still to learn. And yet, we’ve been treating this essential, life-filled, life-giving layer of Earth like we treat the rest of the planet: as if it’s there to exploit without fear of consequences.

But we’re now seeing devastating consequences. Adopting better conservation, restoration and agricultural practices would help soil, food security, climate and health.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

The most significant navigational risk on Lake Superior was a reef, which is where the Stannard Rock Light is situated. One of the top ten engineering achievements in the United States is considered to be the exposed crib of the Stannard Rock Light. It is the farthest lighthouse (from shore) in the United States at 24 miles (39 km) from the closest piece of land. It was known as “The Loneliest Place in the World” and was one of the “stag stations” that was exclusively staffed by men.

The lighthouse was automated in 1962, and the US Coast Guard continues to operate it as a navigational aid. It is off-limits to the general public and only accessible by boat or airplane.

This underwater mountain, which measures 0.25 miles (0.40 km) in length and has a maximum depth of 4 feet (1.2 m) and a mean depth of 16 feet (4.9 m), was first spotted in 1835 by Captain Charles C. Stannard of the ship John Jacob Astor. This reef, which was “atop a mile long reef” more than 50 miles northwest of Marquette, posed the greatest threat to navigation on Lake Superior, and it was first identified by a day beacon in 1868. At the time, tests were conducted to see if a light could endure in such a hostile environment. In 1866, a temporary marker was erected there. A lighthouse had to be built as a result of the Soo Locks opening and the booming increase in trade between Duluth, Minnesota, and the lower Great Lakes. Captain Stannard was honoured with a lighthouse. Of all the lighthouses in the United States, the Stannard Rock Light is the furthest from land at 24 miles (39 km) away. A superior lake trout fishery can be found all year long thanks to Stannard Rock Reef. On August 17, 1997, Lucas Lanczy, then 16 years old, caught the 61 pounds, 8 ounces (27.9 kg), state record lake trout for Michigan at Stannard Rock Reef using 12-pound (5.4 kg) line.

Maintenance workers had to hack away the ice around the door to get to the men in the early winter when Lake Superior’s waves crashed against the stone tower of the Stannard Rock Light. Before the keepers at the Stannard Rock Light received help in the event of an illness, mishap, or fire, it might take days or even weeks. It was designated as a “stag station” where only men could work because it was one of the rock lighthouses. The Stannard Rock Light was referred to by the keepers as the “Loneliest Place in the World”. It has always held the title of being the “loneliest place” in the contiguous United States as well.

For 60 years, the Stannard Rock Light keepers used flammable illuminants to light up the lantern and the dwellings; the lighthouse wasn’t electrified until after World War II. A few years later, the buildings on the pier were completely destroyed, and the interior of the tower was severely damaged, due to an explosion of gasoline and propane tanks used to fuel the station plant. Three keepers were stranded on the concrete pier at the base of the tower for three days before a passing ship discovered them and alerted the Coast Guard after the explosion claimed the life of one of the keepers. The kind Woodrush came to the men’s aid.

The station was automated in 1962 after the Coast Guard repaired the fire damage and decided the location was too isolated and dangerous. A 3,000 candlepower light was used in place of the previous 1,400,000 candlepower one. The second order of 12 bulls-eyed Fresnel lenses was painstakingly disassembled by the Coast Guard, carried down 141 tower stairs, packed in six wooden crates, and then lowered by block and tackle 80 feet (24 m) to the crib for shipment. The Fresnel lens was located 37 years later at the Coast Guard Academy’s storage facility in New London, Connecticut, after a protracted search. In 2000, the tower’s base unit for the lens was moved to the museum. The camera lens is now visible at the Marquette Maritime Museum.

The Stannard Rock Light is still a working navigational aid and belongs to the Coast Guard. The lighthouse is off-limits to the general public and can only be seen from an airplane or boat. Having warned mariners away from the perilous reef for more than a century, the lighthouse was given a new purpose in 2008 when researchers installed equipment atop the tower to determine whether increased evaporation was the reason for the Great Lakes’ declining water levels.

It is possible to reach the lighthouse by boat, but guests are not permitted to go inside.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

“Some memories can’t be made on land”

Charismatic TV host Steven Bull is back for the Season Two premiere of WaterWays TV.

The show follows Steve as he explores anything and everything about the boating lifestyle, from buying a used boat and restoring it for a Toronto to NYC adventure, examining the history of boating and some of its unusual traditions, to going behind-the-scenes at some of boating’s most unique and exciting locations.

Season Two will premiere in Canada Saturday, September 23rd on Global TV and will run through to December 16th.

The 13 episode series will air on WaterWays YouTube after the cable tv broadcast.

The list of highlights for Season Two is extensive and viewers will get to join Steve on a coast-to-coast journey across Canada as explores everything boating has to offer.

Viewers will get an inside look at Canada’s various maritime cultures — from the scenic West Coast of British Columbia and its labyrinth of inland waterways, to central Canada’s massive Great Lakes cruising region, to East Coast maritime culture and its love for seafood, and even the northeast U.S. to explore New York City and sit down for an interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Episode 1 will feature Steve’s trip to Vancouver Island where he meets with the RCAF Snowbirds who practice over the waters of Comox, B.C.

Episode 2 will head all the way across the country to Nova Scotia for an attempt at tidal bore rafting on the Bay of Fundy’s massive tides. Steve also takes in the historic Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race.

Episode 3 will feature a fun sit-down interview with famous scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson in New York City where he answers viewer questions about the physics of boating.

Later in the season viewers will also get to see how Steve’s ‘Project Boat’ from Season 1 turns out when he takes the restored 30-year-old ‘pocket cruiser’ on a 750 nautical mile journey from Toronto to Montreal to New York City.

Other episodes will feature adventures in sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and various dives into local maritime culture whenever the crew hits the mainland.

“If you’re floating you’re boating and we’re there to tell the stories.”

BoatBlurb Newsletter

At Milwaukee’s Wolf & Davidson Shipyard, the wooden steamer William H Wolf was launched on August 6, 1887. For the Wolf & Davidson Steamship Company, she was constructed. The Wolf’s dimensions were 285 feet long, 42.3 feet wide, and 19.2 feet deep. Georgia pine, which is typically only used on coasting vessels, made up the majority of her ceiling, deck beams, and deck. Her oak beams were shipped in from Kentucky and Indiana.

There was a sizable crowd present for the launch of the William H, Wolf , a vessel that was exquisitely constructed. On the dock of the Northwestern Fuel Company, which is across the river from the shipyard, spectators gathered. She caused a huge wave that swept up in the dock ten or twelve feet, damaging the coal sheds and partially collapsing the dock, which was unfortunate for the spectators as she slid into the river.

The Milwaukee Sentinel’s description of the scene from August 7, 1887

“A suppressed cry of horror rose to the lips of the 3,000 or more people who witnessed the launch of the mammoth new steamer William H Wolf yesterday afternoon at Wolf & Davidson’s shipyard, as simultaneously with that occurrence a staging on the Northwestern Fuel company’s dock gave way and the seventy-five persons upon it were precipitated either upon the dock below or into the river. The spectators saw the huge vessel make her plunge as the last block was knocked away, a great wave was caused by the displacement of water, and through the wall of spray the platform was seen to lift and then crash down upon the docks below, burying many of the people beneath the fall timbers, maiming, mangling and wounding a score of the unfortunates. The cries of the unfortunates, the hoarse shouts of men rushing to the rescue, the shrieks of women and children, the splashing of the waves mingled in a sound that was painful discord to the ears of the horror-stricken spectators. The accident caused two fatalities, several person are so badly injured that death will probably ensue and twenty or more others are badly injured. Ten or twenty persons were thrown into the river, but it is not known whether all were rescued. The lifesaving crew and police dragged the river in the vicinity for two hours after the accident without bringing any bodies to the surface. Still many people believe a number were drowned and thought that the suction of the boat dragged the bodies out of reach of the searchers.”

Milwaukee Sentinel

The Wolf was a popular steamer and enjoyed a successful career up until October 20, 1921, when she caught fire while in the St. Clair River while downward bound. On the Canadian side of the channel, across from Marine City, she sank after burning to the water’s surface. When the fire was discovered, she had just finished unloading her pulpwood cargo at Port Huron and was heading down to dry dock. Of the 22 people on board, two were lost. She was floated, taken south of Fawn Island, and sunk in 1925. She now rests in about 50 feet of water and is a well-liked dive site. The William H. Wolf, is the largest wreck in the St. Clair River. The engine and propeller are still at the site, along with its two intact boilers.

YouTube Video 2012

Learn about the algae in Lake Ontario, how the governments of Canada and the United States are managing the lake’s nutrient levels, and what you can do to help!

Details

Date & Time: Oct 19, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom

Description

AGENDA (times given in ET)

12:00 – 12:02 Welcome – Emma Tahirali, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

12:02 – 12:15 Nutrients and algae 101: Understanding and identifying algae, successes and challenges in managing nutrients – Marie-Claire Doyle, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

12:15 – 12:20 Audience Q&A #1

12:20 – 12:40 Taking Action: Controlling nutrient inputs to the lake – Reducing nutrient impacts to Lake Ontario nearshore – Upgrades to wastewater infrastructure in the city of Toronto (10 min): Bill Snodgrass, Toronto Water – Improving water quality in Western NY’s Lake Ontario basin with soil health practices (10 min): Caitlin Tucker, American Farmland Trust.

12:40 – 12:45 Audience Q&A #2

12:45 – 12:55 How to report nuisance and harmful algae – Emma Tahirali, MECP – Brian Duffy, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

12:55 – 1:00 News you can use: Steps you can take to reduce nutrient pollution and algal blooms in Lake Ontario.

Learn More and Register