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welcome to Shipwrecks and scuba 2023
Shipwrecks and Scuba is a beloved annual conference that has
been running since 1984 and continues to draw diving enthusiasts and historians from all over the region.
The conference is renowned for promoting diving and historical shipwrecks and the excellent lineup of nationally recognized speakers have been a major draw for attendees over the years.
This year's event promises to be just as exciting, with a diverse range of talks and presentations that are sure to spark your curiosity.
The conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the Great Lakes, and to learn from experts who have devoted their lives to uncovering the secrets of the deep.
So why not come along and join the Shipwrecks and Scuba community? Whether you're a diver, a history buff, or just looking for an interesting day learning about the Great Lakes- there's something for everyone at this incredible event!
2023 Speaker Line up
Ken Merryman / "The Great Lakes Best Sidewheelers"
There are a few hundred sidewheel steamer losses in the Great Lakes. Since most were built in the mid-
1800’s and many caught fire or wrecked on the shores or shallow waters of the lakes, for the majority, all that remains are disarticulated pieces and buried parts of shipwrecks. There are, however, three of these amazing machines that sit upright with engines and sidewheels still intact. Join Ken Merryman as he takes you on a tour of these amazing sidewheelers using video, photogrammetry models and animations to tell their stories, show what remains and how the propulsion systems of these giant machines operated.
Kayla Martin & Charlotte McCullough / "The Oliver Mowat: The Era of Wind and Sail Frozen in Time"
The Oliver Mowat was considered the crown jewel of the Millhaven shipyards when launched in 1873. No expense was spared in her construction since she was to showcase the design and building skills of the Millhaven shipwrights who were competing with the mighty Portsmouth yards just miles away.
As a 2023 Royal Canadian Geographical Society Flag Expedition, this is the first expedition since its initial discovery. Come with Kayla to experience the excitement of a virgin shipwreck.
Kevin Ailes / "Ghost ships of Perry's fleet"
September 10th of 1813 was the day American forces met the enemy and they became ours. The War of 1812 was Great Britain's attempt to regain what they had lost only 30 years before. This destruction and surrender, of an entire squadron in September, was key to sending the British back to their tea and scones. Maritime historians and divers may wonder what happened to the ships after the battle and where they are today. Can the vessels be dived and which of them already have been found? All of these questions and more will be answered if you will join us for Kevin Ailes' program "Ghost Ships of Perry's Fleet". Sharpen your pencils and take a few notes. There will be learning moments throughout.
mike & Georgann Wachter / "what have they put in our lakes!"
While legions of scuba divers explore wrecks from schooners to ore boats, there are many other reasons to dive the inland seas. Virtually every manner of conveyance man has invented languishes somewhere on these bottom lands. Georgann & Mike will explore many of these, including bicycles, autos, locomotives, hot air balloons, snowmobiles, helicopters, rail cars, and even two submarines.
Terry Irvine / “So Near Yet So Far, The Tragedy of the SS Manasoo"
Discover the haunting story of the SS Manasoo, formerly known as the Macassa, as it fell victim to maritime superstitions. The ship sank during a storm in Georgian Bay while carrying cattle, with only five survivors rescued after three days adrift.
Now, after ninety years, join Terry Irvine to relive the tragedy and explore the ship's 2018 discovery
Dave Trotter / "Minnedosa : Final Report"
Built-in 1890, the 4-masted, 250' Schooner Minnedosa was the last and the greatest of the schooners built in Canada for the Great Lakes. She was born to superlatives. In October 1905 she departed Fort William, Ontario with 75,000 bushels of grain in her holds. Captain Phillips and his wife, and the crew of six, did not realize that this was their last and "final run". In a horrific gale, the Consort Minnedosa followed the Steamer Westmount into Lake Huron's notorious Saginaw Bay. Without warning, the giant Minnedosa plunged to the floor of Lake Huron to become one of the Great Lake's most enduring mysteries.
The loss of the Minnedosa, her discovery and the exploration of this "one of a kind" vessel in 1993 is great story of adventure followed by an equally fascinating story.a story that can only be shared by exploring her today!
Kevin Magee & cindy larosa / “Cornelia B. Windiate - Lake Huron Mystery Ship”
In 1986 Paul Ehorn and John Steele made an amazing discovery off the Presque Isle, Michigan, coast. It was a pristine three-masted schooner sitting on the bottom in 180 feet of water with its name on it - the “Cornelia B. Windiate.” However, it was in the wrong lake and supposedly sank in Lake Michigan in December, 1875, not in Lake Huron. It was also remarkably intact and is one of the best shipwrecks of this type in the Great Lakes.
In 2003 Joyce Hayward organized an archaeological survey to study and document this ship utilizing recreational technical scuba diving volunteers, one of the first projects of this magnitude.
This shipwreck continues to amaze, and speculation continues on the final voyage of this remarkable vessel.