SS Norisle
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The SS Norisle was a Canadian steam-powered car ferry that sailed the route between Tobermory and South-Baymouth Manitoulin Island alongside her sister ship, the MS Norgoma and another ship the SS Normac.
The name "Norisle" is derived from "Nor", a contraction of the Northern Region of Lake Huron, and "Isle", referring to Manitoulin Island.
[edit] Ferry operations
The ship was 215ft in length and was one of the first vessels on the Great Lakes that could accommodate a large number of automobiles and livestock. The Norisle was built at the Collingwood shipyards in 1946—the first ship built in Canada after the end of World War II. Her engines were actually designed and built for a Royal Canadian Navy destroyer, however because of the end of the war, they were put into the Norisle instead. She sailed until the year 1974, when she and her sistership, the MS Norgoma, were replaced by the much larger and more modern MS Chi-Cheemaun which could accommodate a much larger number of automobiles, and passengers (but no livestock).
[edit] Retirement
The Norisle is now permanently berthed at the Manitowaning Heritage Complex in on Manitoulin Island as a museum ship for tourists to explore. For the last few years she also served as training ground for Canadian Naval Cadets.
In recent years, the Norilse has fallen into a state of disrepair. The ship is slowly sinking and her sump pumps have been shut off. City leaders plan on having it towed to deep water and sunk as a dive site.
