SS Norisle facts for kids
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|} The SS Norisle is a Canadian steam-powered ship. It used to be a ferry that carried cars and people. The Norisle sailed between Tobermory and South-Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
It sailed with its sister ships, the MS Norgoma and the MS Normac. All these ships were owned by the Owen Sound Transportation Company Limited. The name Norisle comes from "Nor" (for the Northern Region of Lake Huron) and "Isle" (for Manitoulin Island).
The SS Norisle is no longer open as a museum. It closed around 2008 because it was getting very old. People were worried about its safety.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Canada |
|
| Name | SS Norisle |
| Owner | Owen Sound Transportation Company |
| Builder | Collingwood Shipbuilding, Collingwood, Ontario |
| In service | 1946 |
| Out of service | 1974 |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Car and passenger ferry |
| Length | 215 ft 9 in (65.76 m) |
| Beam | 36 ft 3 in (11.05 m) |
| Draft | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Propulsion | 1 × 1,000 hp (746 kW) triple expansion steam engine |
| Speed | 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) |
| Capacity | 200 passengers and up to 50 vehicles |
A Ship's Journey: Ferry Operations
The Norisle is about 215 feet (65 meters) long. It was built in 1946 at the Collingwood shipyards. This made it the first steamship built in Canada after World War II.
Powerful Engines with a Past
The ship's engines are very special. They were first designed for a Royal Canadian Navy warship called a corvette. But the war ended, so these powerful engines were put into the Norisle instead. Today, they are the only engines of their kind still existing!
Carrying Cars and People
The Norisle had two doors on its side with a ramp. This allowed vehicles to drive right onto the ship. It served as a busy ferry until 1974.
Newer, Bigger Ships Arrive
In 1974, the Norisle and its sister ship, the Norgoma, were replaced. A much larger and more modern ferry, the MS Chi-Cheemaun, took over their route. The new ship could carry many more cars and passengers.
Life After Service: Retirement
The Norisle is now permanently docked at the Assiginack Museum Complex on Manitoulin Island. It became a museum ship where visitors could explore its history. For some years, it also helped train Canadian Naval Cadets.
Facing Challenges and Finding Friends
In recent years, the Norisle has faced some tough times. Rainwater started getting into the ship through its vents and smokestack. This caused the ship to slowly start sinking. Luckily, tarps were placed over the openings to stop the water.
There were even plans to sink the ship in deep water to create a dive site. However, these plans were stopped! In March 2007, a group called "Friends of the Norisle" was formed. This group wants to help fix up the ship or find new ways to use it. They are working hard to save this historic vessel.
