Identification & Site Information

  • Wreck Name: Avalon Voyager 2 (formerly Twillingate, Thomas V. Hollett, Avalon Voyager)
  • Type: Tour Boat / Floating Restaurant (originally built as a minesweeper)
  • Location: Cape Hurd, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: N 45° 14.599′ W 81° 42.114′
  • Depth: 25 feet (approximately 8 meters)
  • Length: 135 feet

Vessel Type Description

The Avalon Voyager 2 was constructed in 1946 as a wooden-hulled minesweeper, designed to serve military needs during World War II. Post-war, the vessel was reassigned to civilian roles, becoming a cargo ship and later a tour boat and floating restaurant. The vessel’s robust build and multiple adaptations over its lifespan highlight its versatility and historical significance.

History

The vessel began life as the Twillingate in Clarenville, Newfoundland, built during World War II but completed post-war as a small cargo ship. In 1951, it was renamed Thomas V. Hollett and operated as a utility vessel. By 1967, it transitioned into Avalon Voyager under new ownership, continuing its service in the Great Lakes region.

In 1976, the ship was purchased by Paul Swift and renamed Avalon Voyager 2. It was repurposed as a floating restaurant in Kincardine, Ontario, where it served as a unique dining venue for local patrons. However, in late 1980, while being moved to Owen Sound to continue its restaurant service, the vessel struck a rock near Cape Hurd. The damage proved catastrophic, and despite efforts to salvage it, the Avalon Voyager 2 sank near Bonnet Island, Tobermory, Ontario. No lives were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition

The Avalon Voyager 2 rests at a shallow depth of 25 feet in Georgian Bay, near Cape Hurd. The wreck is a popular diving site due to its accessibility and the vessel’s intriguing history. Though scattered and deteriorated, parts of the Hull and superstructure remain visible, offering a glimpse into its multifaceted past.

Located By & Date

The sinking location was documented immediately following the incident in October 1980. The wreck site has since been a known destination for divers and maritime enthusiasts.

NOTMARs & Advisories

  • Depth & Diving Conditions: At 25 feet, the site is suitable for divers of all levels. However, Visibility and water temperature can vary, typical of Georgian Bay conditions.
  • Hazards: Potential risks include sharp debris, entanglement, and unstable wreckage. Divers should take precautions and avoid disturbing the site to preserve its historical integrity.

Resources & Links

  • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
  • The Scuba News: Information and updates on diving locations in Georgian Bay.
  • Boating Georgian Bay: Regional information on wrecks and underwater sites.
  • Flickr: Historical and contemporary photos of Avalon Voyager 2.

Conclusion

The Avalon Voyager 2 exemplifies the lifecycle of a vessel repurposed multiple times to meet changing demands. From its origins as a minesweeper to its service as a cargo ship and eventually a floating restaurant, the vessel reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of Great Lakes maritime operations. Now lying at rest in Georgian Bay, it continues to attract divers and history enthusiasts, preserving its legacy as a unique chapter in the region’s maritime heritage.

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