The Niagara II

The 182 foot steel freighter Niagara II was built in 1930 and was later converted to a sand sucker. In 1998 it was purchased and then purposefully sunk (the following year) by the Tobermory Maritime Association. Prior to its sinking it had been thoroughly cleaned in preparation for becoming a dive site. The Niagara II lies just outside the Fathom Five National Marine Park boundaries and one can find the separate tag needed to dive her at the Diver Information Centre in Tobermory. The Niagara II lies upright and one can follow the descent line (attached to a surface buoy) which runs to just aft and below the wheel house. This ship warrants more than just one dive as she is large and there are many interesting places (such as swim-throughs and penetration areas) to explore. Because the Niagara II was sunk specifically for diving purposes it is extremely diver friendly for all levels of diver, although it is recommended that one keep one's dive to one's experience and certificate level. She lies at a bow down angle so one should plan on a dive of about 100 feet if wanting to view the machinery at the bow. One can drop to about 130 feet (to the mud) in front for a great view.