Photographs and Story by Tom Wilson
Build: Wooden Three-masted Barque
Depth: 106'
Length: 131'
Built: 1853 Sunk: 1884
Access: boat
Level: Advanced
Orientation: Upright
If Tobermory is considered the king of diving in Ontario the Arabia
would be the jewel of his crown.
Inside the Fathom Five National Marine Park the Arabia is the most
intact and most interesting of the 21 wrecks by far. Unfortunately it
also has the distinction of being the site of the most fatalities (the
most recent being in 1998).
If you have a choice between the two mooring lines opt for the bow
because this is quite a different wreck depending on which end you
dive it from and many people are not able to tour the whole ship on
just an 80 cu/ft tank.
When starting at the bow you may well be under the impression the
Arabia is still absolutely perfect without a plank out of place. The
bowsprit is almost pristine, complete with hanging chains and
seemingly nothing missing but a few feet off the end. Just behind
there her two sizeable anchors still rest locked on the railings, and
the windlass, blige pump and other machinery are incredibly well
preserved by the frigid water. One of the sizeable masts lies over the
port rail and the other two can be found nearby.
Heading aft from there things start to get a little messier. Although
the railings and hull sides are in great shape the midsection of the
ship is littered with debris and little that is recognizeable aside from
the centerboard winch with large gear-wheels on the sides (making it
look almost like a cart).
By the time you reach the stern things have really deteriorated. The
vertical "end" of the stern is missing completely which may give you
the impression there is little back here of interest, but drop over the
starboard rail and you will find the wheel still attached to a section
steering gear and a stone monument celebrating the wreck's 100th
anniversary in 1984.
This site is perpetually cold even in the height of summer and
sometimes has a current which adds to the level of difficulty. No lives
were lost when this ship sank but 13 divers have perished here since
the wreck was found in 1971.
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