Identification & Vessel Information:

Background and Construction (1946)

Vessel Overview: Wolfe Islander II (originally named Ottawa Maybrook) was a small coastal freighter built in 1946 by Collingwood Shipbuilding in Ontario. She was one of two identical “Class C” coastal cargo ships of about 164 ft length and 206 ton design, intended for a World War II-era Canadian aid program to Nationalist China. The end of WWII and the changing political situation (Communist victory in China) led to cancellation of the aid package, so Ottawa Maybrook was never delivered overseas. Instead, the vessel was repurposed for domestic use.

Conversion to Ferry: Rather than scrap the brand-new ship, it was decided to convert her into a car Ferry for service in the Kingston–Wolfe Island route. Collingwood Shipyards carried out extensive modifications, transforming the single-Deck coaster into a side-loading 16-car Ferry. The freighter’s Hull was fitted with vehicle decks and side ramps, and her superstructure and pilot house were adapted for Ferry service. Upon Conversion, she was rechristened Wolfe Islander II in a ceremony at Wolfe Island (a “second christening” by the Wolfe Island mayor’s wife) (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr). Wolfe Islander II was a diesel-powered motor ship (“M.S.”), with a steel Hull and a Gross Tonnage of about 404 tons (Ferries ~ Shipbuilding History) (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr). By late 1946, she entered service, replacing the aging Wolfe Islander I (a 1904 paddle-wheel Steamer originally named Thomas Fawcett) which was retired that year ( The Islands: Articles: unknown) (The Islands: Island Photos: Wolfe Island: Ferries).

Specifications: (as converted to Ferry)

Ferry Service History (1946–1975)

Route and Operations: Wolfe Islander II served as the vital Ferry link between Kingston, Ontario (mainland) and Wolfe Island from 1946 until 1975 (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News). In summer months, she ran a short crossing from Kingston’s downtown dock (at the foot of Brock Street) to Marysville on Wolfe Island. In winter, when ice made the Marysville Ferry dock inaccessible, the route shifted to the longer crossing to the island’s winter dock near Dawson’s Point . As ice thickened, an escort Tug would help break ice and even tow the Ferry through tough ice floes . Eventually each winter the ice became impassable, forcing Wolfe Islander II to tie up until spring thaw, leaving islanders to cross the frozen river by ice roads or air transport ). These seasonal challenges made the Ferry a lifeline for the community, albeit one subject to weather delays. Despite operating in often harsh conditions on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, Wolfe Islander II was known for her sturdy construction and generally reliable service (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr).

Notable Incidents: Wolfe Islander II’s decades of operation saw a few incidents and much local lore. In 1948, a fire broke out onboard – archival photos show Kingston firefighters combatting flames on the Ferry (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr). The blaze was contained, and the ship was repaired and returned to service, demonstrating her robust build. No major injuries were reported in that incident. Over the years, heavy winds and ice occasionally caused minor groundings or schedule disruptions (for example, captains recount battles with ice floes pushing the Ferry onto shoals off Kingston) ( Captain Richard ‘RF’ Fawcett and the “Wolfe Islander III” > Thousand Islands Life Magazine > Thousand Islands Life Magazine All Archives ) ( Captain Richard ‘RF’ Fawcett and the “Wolfe Islander III” > Thousand Islands Life Magazine > Thousand Islands Life Magazine All Archives ), but Wolfe Islander II remained “worthy of carrying on the long record of security in passage and seaworthiness” on the route (Article clipped from The Kingston Whig-Standard – Newspapers.com™). In the 1950s and 60s, as traffic grew, the Ferry sometimes ran at capacity, leading to long lines of vehicles – a testament to her importance for island commerce and daily life. By 1963, the Province of Ontario (Department of Highways) took over the Ferry operations from local authorities (The Islands: Island Photos: Wolfe Island: Ferries), investing in maintenance and crew as part of a broader initiative to improve regional Ferry services.

Community Impact: The introduction of Wolfe Islander II in the late 1940s greatly improved transport for Wolfe Island’s residents. The vessel could carry automobiles (a growing need post-WWII) – up to 16 per trip – which was a significant upgrade from the older Paddlewheel Steamer (MV Wolfe Islander II – Wikipedia). This enhanced capacity and the switch from steam to diesel allowed more efficient, faster crossings, strengthening the island’s connection to Kingston. Islanders fondly recall that Wolfe Islander II became a social hub – locals would often chat on Deck during the 20-minute ride. The Ferry’s seasonal struggle with ice also became a part of community life; each autumn there was uncertainty about when the “last boat” would run before freeze-up, and each spring residents eagerly awaited the Ferry’s return. Apart from the 1948 fire, Wolfe Islander II had no major accidents, contributing to a record of safe operation over nearly 30 years (Article clipped from The Kingston Whig-Standard – Newspapers.com™). Her long-serving captains (like Captain Frank Mason in the 1960s (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr) and Captain Harold Hogan in the 1970s) were well-respected figures in the community.

Sister Ship: Wolfe Islander II had a twin sister ship from the 1946 aid program. That sister vessel (eventually named Upper Canada) was similarly converted to a Ferry. For a time in the late 1960s–1970s, Upper Canada ran alongside or in place of Wolfe Islander II during peak periods and overhauls (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr). A 1970 photo even shows Upper Canada docking at Marysville, Wolfe Island (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr). (After Wolfe Islander II’s retirement, Upper Canada was relocated to Lake Erie to serve Pelee Island and later Georgian Bay’s Christian Island route, extending the legacy of these sister ships into the 1990s.)Replacement and Retirement: By the early 1970s, it was clear that Wolfe Islander II was reaching the limits of her capacity and ice-handling ability. The Province commissioned a new, larger Ferry – the Wolfe Islander III – built with modern diesel propulsion and an advanced bubbler system to allow year-round operation . Wolfe Islander III arrived in late 1975 and entered service in early 1976 ( Captain Richard ‘RF’ Fawcett and the “Wolfe Islander III” > Thousand Islands Life Magazine > Thousand Islands Life Magazine All Archives ). She was a car Ferry with greater capacity and azimuth thrusters for ice navigation. Wolfe Islander II made her final regular crossing in 1975, marking the end of an era. After nearly 29 years in continuous service (1946–1975) (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News), she had safely transported countless vehicles and passengers. Upon retirement from frontline duty, Wolfe Islander II was kept in reserve (1975–1984) as a backup Ferry whenever Wolfe Islander III needed servicing (MV Wolfe Islander II – Wikipedia). However, the new Ferry proved very reliable , so the aging Wolfe Islander II saw little use in those years, spending most of her time moored in Kingston.

Final Disposition: Artificial Reef Project (1985)

By the mid-1980s, Wolfe Islander II had outlived her practical utility. The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston acquired the vessel in 1984 with intentions to preserve her as a floating museum exhibit (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News). She was berthed at Kingston’s waterfront for a time. However, space and funding were limited – the museum soon obtained the former CCG icebreaker Alexander Henry as an exhibit ship, leaving Wolfe Islander II without a clear future . Rather than see this beloved Ferry sold for scrap, a group of local marine enthusiasts and diving community members formed a plan to save her . This was not backed by Preserve Our Wrecks (POW) Kingston but other sponsors, they proposed to sink Wolfe Islander II as an Artificial Reef and scuba diving attraction. This plan offered a “second life” for the ship – preserving her in situ and creating a protected dive site, while also drawing diving tourism to the area .

Preparation and Sponsorship: Throughout 1985, volunteers and sponsors worked to prepare the vessel for scuttling. Wolfe Islander II was thoroughly cleaned of pollutants and made safe for divers (doors removed, hazardous components stripped) (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada). To finance the project, corporate sponsors donated funds and, in return, had their company names engraved on the ship’s brass porthole glass as a lasting testament . The community rallied around this unique endeavor – even local media covered the story of the old Ferry’s “last voyage” to the bottom. On September 21, 1985, Wolfe Islander II was towed out of Kingston Harbour one final time (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com). In a poignant echo of her winter journeys of old, the Tug dragged her along the same route toward Wolfe Island’s Dawson Point area (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com). With hundreds of onlookers and divers gathered, explosive charges opened the seacocks. Wolfe Islander II slipped beneath the waves within sight of her former winter dock, coming to rest upright on the river bed – “a fitting retirement for a Kingston landmark,” as one account noted (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com).

Scuttling Details: The deliberate sinking was executed perfectly. Wolfe Islander II landed upright on her Keel in approx. 80 ft of fresh water, with her bow facing north (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com). The precise wreck location is off Wolfe Island’s northeast shore (in Brown’s Bay, near Dawson’s Point). Her scuttling coordinates are about 44°13.5580′ N, 76°24.9860′ W (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). This made Wolfe Islander II one of the first purpose-sunk dive reefs in Ontario. The site was selected for protection from prevailing southwest winds, ensuring relatively calm conditions for divers year-round . After sinking, a mooring buoy was installed (maintained by POW Kingston) to mark the site and prevent anchor damage. The once-bustling Ferry thus entered a new chapter as a submerged time capsule of local history.

Legacy: The scuttling of Wolfe Islander II had a positive impact on both the community and underwater heritage preservation. It demonstrated how retired Great Lakes Ships could be repurposed for recreation and historical education instead of scrapping. The engraved portholes were a novel idea – divers could literally see the names of those who helped sink the ship for posterity. (Notably, in the 1990s some illicit salvagers attempted to steal these portholes; they were caught and the items were recovered, highlighting the ongoing need to protect the wreck Today, Wolfe Islander II remains one of Kingston’s most famous and visited shipwrecks (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News), and her presence has helped ease diver traffic on more fragile historic wrecks in the area by providing an alternative attraction (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News). Many Kingston residents who rode the Ferry in their youth have since dived the wreck, coming full circle with this piece of local heritage.

Dive Site Overview and Current Condition

Site Layout: Wolfe Islander II rests upright on a flat silt bottom at 80 ft/24 m maximum depth (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com). The intact Hull and superstructure make it an exciting underwater exploration, essentially an Artificial Reef frozen in time. The wreck’s orientation has the bow to the north and Stern toward the shore (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com). A permanent mooring buoy is typically attached near the bow, allowing divers to descend directly onto the wreck without needing to anchor . Upon descent, divers usually first encounter the forward davit arms (used for lifeboats) which are around 40 ft deep . From there, it’s a short drop to the open decks. The former vehicle car Deck runs the length of the ship at roughly 60 ft depth . Above it, the remains of the passenger cabin/salon and wheelhouse can be seen amidships. These upper structures have large doorways and windows that allow ambient light to penetrate, creating an ethereal green glow inside on sunny days ). In fact, an air pocket often forms in one corner of the upper cabin from the exhalations of divers (it’s even possible to briefly put your head into this trapped air and talk, hearing your voice resonate 60 ft under water – but never attempt to breathe it due to oxygen depletion) .

Notable Features: Despite decades underwater, Wolfe Islander II is remarkably intact. Much of the exterior and many interior sections are accessible to divers. Key features include:

  • Propeller and Rudder: At the Stern, the large single propeller and rudder are highlights – sitting in 80 ft of water, coated in Zebra Mussels, they make a great photo opportunity . Divers often descend down the Stern to inspect these and the rudder post.
  • Car Deck: The expansive main Deck (at ~60 ft) is open and silted, with remnants of the Ferry’s side-loading ramps and framing. Over the years, divers have turned the car Deck into a playful “underwater playground.” Notably, an old motorcycle was mysteriously placed on the Deck one day (as a wink to the vehicles the Ferry once carried). There’s also a time capsule stored on the car Deck, left during the scuttling, which divers can seek out. Scattered around are other fun artifacts – reports mention golf balls, bowling pins, and humorous signs left by creative divers (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada) (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada). One of the ship’s original anchors has been recovered and set on display atop the Deck as well . All these items add interest to the otherwise empty vehicle Deck.
  • Wheelhouse and Cabin: Midships, the wheelhouse is accessible and offers a peek at the Ferry’s controls (stripped, but you can stand where the captain once did). Just behind the wheelhouse is the passenger cabin/salon with bench seating along curved walls (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Large square windows and door cutouts here provide safe exits and flood the space with natural light (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). This area lies ~50–60 ft deep. It’s an excellent spot for beginner wreck divers to dip inside in a very open environment. The roof and bulkheads are largely gone, easing access.
  • Engine Room & Machinery: A staircase on the port side leads down from the car Deck into the engine room spaces (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Here, divers can find catwalks, pipes, and the bases where the diesel engines were mounted (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Penetration into the engine room drops one to ~75 ft depth and is very silty and dark (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Only experienced wreck divers with proper training should venture into this confined interior. Within these guts of the ship, an “elevator shaft” (probably a vertical companionway) leads back up toward the top Deck, and one can see the engraved portholes along the port side from inside (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Advanced divers enjoy navigating through the engine room’s maze of pipes and machinery foundations, but great care is needed to avoid kicking up silt. As a rule, any penetration beyond the open Deck and cabin areas is for advanced divers only (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). Proper wreck reels, lights, and training are advised for exploring interior corridors.
  • Hull Exterior: Swimming around the Hull, one can appreciate the Ferry’s lines. The bow features a sharp prow and some Deck gear. Along the Hull, the nameplates and port of registry are still visible on the Stern quarters (“Wolfe Islander II – Kingston”) (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II). The steel Hull is intact except for intentional diver access holes. On the starboard side, a large hole midships was cut for training purposes (sometimes called the “galley door”), providing another entry/exit for divers. The exterior provides a good reference for those not penetrating – one can simply circle the wreck at mid-depth (~50–60 ft) and see all sides. Aquatic life is modest (freshwater fish like bass and pike often lurk around the Deck), and the surfaces are encrusted with invasive mussels common to the Great Lakes. Visibility is typically 3–5 m (10–15 ft) on average (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada) (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada), though it can exceed 10 m on exceptional days or drop if there’s been a lot of diver traffic (stirring up silt). The St. Lawrence River current is minimal at this site – usually there is no appreciable current, making it an easy dive in terms of conditions (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada).

Diving Experience: Wolfe Islander II offers something for every diver, from novice to technical. The open areas and moderate depth make it suitable for beginners and intermediate divers to enjoy a wreck dive experience. Many instructors use this site for advanced open water training dives or for divers testing new gear, because it’s accessible and forgiving (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada). Water temperatures range widely by season – from ~4 °C (40 °F) in spring to ~22 °C (72 °F) in late summer near the surface (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada) (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada) (thermoclines can make the bottom 5–10 °C colder even in summer). Most divers wear full wetsuits or drysuits. There is a charter boat access from Kingston, or from shore it is a short boat ride from Wolfe Island. The wreck is moored and marked, simplifying descent and ascent.

While new divers can enjoy the outside and upper decks easily, penetration dives (e.g. exploring the engine room, lower compartments, or threading through interior stairwells) are recommended only for advanced or wreck-certified divers. The silt inside can black out Visibility in seconds if disturbed. The site has seen occasional misadventures (like the aforementioned porthole theft), underscoring the need for good buoyancy control and respect for the wreck. Despite these caveats, Wolfe Islander II is considered a must-dive in the Kingston area – a “wreck playground” that divers return to again and again, as it’s impossible to see everything in a single dive. One dive might be spent photographing the exterior and artifacts; another might focus on a careful tour of the engine room or underneath the car Deck.

Diving Highlights (Summary):

  • Depth: ~40 ft (top) to 80 ft (bottom) – suitable for Advanced Open Water depth range.
  • Visibility: ~10–20 ft typical (can vary). No strong currents (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada).
  • Accessibility: Boat dive with mooring buoy; popular with charter operators.
  • Features: Intact Hull, open cargo Deck, wheelhouse, cabins. Propeller at Stern in 80 ft. Lots of swim-through opportunities.
  • Notable Artifacts: Placed motorcycle on Deck, time capsule, recovered anchor, engraved portholes.
  • Marine Life: Freshwater fish, algae, and mussel encrustation.
  • Level: Beginner to Intermediate (external tour); Advanced (full penetration into lower spaces).

Divers have remarked that “The Wolfe” is an excellent training wreck and a fun dive that “has something for everyone” (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News). From a shallow dip at the bow davits to deep exploration at the Stern, the wreck can be enjoyed within recreational limits. It has also been used for night dives and even ice dives (in winter, when accessible) by experienced groups, adding to its allure. The site’s historical significance – knowing this Ferry’s past – gives an added resonance to dives. Swimming along the decks where cars once lined up and imagining the honk of horns and chatter of passengers brings history to life underwater.

Historical Significance and Community Reflections

Wolfe Islander II is more than just another shipwreck – it’s a piece of local history resting beneath the waves. During her nearly 30 years of service, she carried schoolchildren, farmers, tourists, and workers, significantly contributing to Wolfe Island’s social and economic development. The Ferry was a “Kingston landmark” in her day (Wolfe Islander II Photo Gallery by Kim at pbase.com), and her retirement was felt keenly by the island community. Many residents still affectionately recount memories of the Wolfe Islander II – from the time the Ferry crew heroically fought the 1948 fire (Kingston & Area Ferries | Flickr), to cold winter mornings when the captain would let a few shivering passengers warm up in the wheelhouse. The ship’s Conversion into a dive site also had a community impact: local businesses benefited from dive tourism, and Kingston became known in scuba circles partly thanks to this wreck. The successful collaboration between local government, the marine museum, and dive volunteers to scuttle the Ferry set a precedent for other Artificial Reef projects in Canada.

Today, Wolfe Islander II serves as an underwater museum and training ground. Divers visiting her are urged to practice “take only pictures, leave only bubbles” – as the wreck is protected by Ontario law and by respect from the dive community (Wolfe Islander II, Ottawa Maybrook – Canada). Her Hull will continue to host aquatic life and adventurous divers for years to come. In a way, the ship has achieved a kind of immortality: preserved in cold freshwater, she changes only slowly, and each generation of divers rediscovers her anew. Digital preservation is also underway – detailed 3D models of the Wolfe Islander II wreck are being created by enthusiasts (available on platforms like Sketchfab for virtual exploration), further cementing her status as a well-documented wreck.

Conclusion: The story of Wolfe Islander II spans over 75 years – from her construction as Ottawa Maybrook in WWII’s aftermath, to her decades of faithful Ferry service, to her deliberate sinking and current role as a dive site. This shipwreck report has detailed her construction, operational history (including significant incidents like the 1948 fire), specifications and ownership, and her final disposition off Dawson’s Point as an Artificial Reef (coordinates 44°13.558′ N, 76°24.986′ W (NTD – Resources – Wrecks – Wolfe Islander II)). For divers, Wolfe Islander II offers a accessible yet intriguing wreck dive, with highlights such as an open engine room and artifact-laden car Deck that appeal to more advanced adventurers. From a historical perspective, she represents an innovative reuse of a wartime surplus vessel and a tangible link to the past for the Kingston–Wolfe Island community.

Wolfe Islander II now quietly rests under green waters, visited often by those who appreciate her dual legacy – above and below the waves. As one dive publication aptly noted: “On Sept. 21, 1985, the 165-foot Wolfe Islander II was intentionally sunk… It lies off the shore of Kingston in about 70 feet of water”, and has since become a dive site “that every diver visiting Kingston should do” (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News) (Scuba Diving the Wolf Islander II – The Scuba News). Through such visits and reports like this, the memory of Wolfe Islander II endures, proving that even in shipwreck, a ship’s story can continue to be told and appreciated by new audiences.

Sources and References

Videos

Historic Photo Gallery and Previous Site Maps

wolfe-islander-dive-record2025Download

Mooring Day 2025 Matthew Charlesworth and Corey Phillips

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018567.JPG
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018491.JPG
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018703.JPG
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018485.JPG
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0019097.JPG
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0019041.JPG
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018639.JPG
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018732.JPG
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0018828.JPG