New wreck coming to Tobermory?

[shoredivr]

is anyone on SB organizing this at all. Is there any help needed for cleanup of this ship? I think it would be pretty cool to help out with something like this and then in the future be able to dive on it.

Ask the Tobermory Maritime Association, @Stoo on this thread.

 

[Stoo]

Ask the Tobermory Maritime Association, @Stoo on this thread.

Mike Marcotte at Divers' Den is lead guy on this. Assuming everything falls into place, then I would think some help will be needed. Because the ship has been open to the public in previous years, a lot of the remediation has been completed. The current plan (unless it changes) is to complete this work up in Manitowaning, on Manitoulin Island. Finding dockage for a ship this size in Tobermory is problematic, both from an availability and cost perspective. We have been in touch with companies in Espanol who would steam-clean etc. I believe inquiries have been made with a towing company to bring her to town if/when the time comes. While we have vessels capable of towing her, the liability insurance cost (for rank amateurs) is more than it would cost to hire pros!

As things develop, I will update you here. As far as I know, the Court has not yet signed off on the rumored settlement between the two parties, so it's best we don't get ahead of ourselves.

 

[Stoo]

Heard this morning on the radio that it's official there going to scuttle the norsile.

I have a family friend that worked on the norsile, they took out all the ballast tanks, they probably have their ways of moving it but the second they pull it off the drop off that boats going to cap size plus the hull is rusted beyond repair

I've been off the grid for the past 10 days, so I've not heard this. And yes for sure, a proper survey of the hull will be done before any towing happens. I'm not aware that it's "rusted beyond repair". When the Niagara II was sunk, so additional ballast was added for stability to make up for the missing engine etc. The huge concrete blocks are apparent if you ever find yourself in the engine room.

 

[Stoo]

I spoke with Mike this afternoon and in spite of what Jacob is reporting, Mike is unaware of any final resolution of the court case. He also added that there was likely a marine survey done by the "Friends" who had planned to restore her to sailing status. Obviously the condition of the hull was considerable more important for their purposes than ours.

Given that Jacob has made one and only one post on SB, and that he's from Manitoulin, perhaps he has some personal involvement with the vessel or the group.

Chalk it up to #fakenews

 

[Pyro_]

This is what was reported on the island last week

Assiginack, Norisle Steamship Society settle lawsuit; ship to become new site for Tobermory dives

 

[Stoo]

This is what was reported on the island last week

Correct. But the Court has yet to approve the agreement, but presumably that's a formality. (And it may well have been done by now.)

The original plan was to sink her this spring, but Mike may feel that's too soon. He and I may dive to pull some moorings this weekend, so I'll see what I can find out.

 

[ryanski]

well stoo keep us updated. I am not terribly close but not too far to come up there for a weekend of help. I am in buffalo so tobermory is 4 1/2 hours drive. Manitowaning on the other hand if driving is considerably farther. i am guessing there is a ferry or something to the island though.

 

[rhwestfall]

i am guessing there is a ferry or something to the island though.

Ummmmm, have you been to Tobermory?

 

[Stoo]

...plus the hull is rusted beyond repair

I have in my possession an "Inspection - Suitably to Tow, Case B-7700" completed by a North American Marine Inc., to determine the suitability of the Norisle for towing. I won't call it a survey, but it's quite comprehensive and includes examination of the hull and her various fittings, rudder, prop etc. It goes on to explain how they would rig her for towing, including vessels required, crew, safety equipment etc. Presumably, they wouldn't outline all of this unless they felt she was towable. It includes a report by a company named "All-Sea" with the byline "Underwater Ship Maintenance Specialists" which includes underwater video captures.

I'm not going to post it here since it's not my property, but it's dated November, 2016.

 

[Stoo]

Ummmmm, have you been to Tobermory?

View attachment 482773

Our next project... ;-)

From Buffalo, it might be just as fast to drive all the way around, but either way, it's a bit of a hike!