Arabia

Story

The Arabia has a definite and long standing connection to Tobermory. In 1854, she sailed to Glasgow, Scotland with a cargo of wheat and flour. She remained in the coastal trade on the northwest coast of Great Britain for a year or so. During that time, Tobermory, Scotland (on the island of Mull) was one of her ports of call. After returning to Canada, she ran aground near Flowerpot Island in 1882. She was refloated, repaired and continued her service. The following year, on the stormy day of October 5, 1884, she met her ultimate fate near Echo Island as she foundered and sank.

Diving the wreck

Currently, the hull is intact with the exception of the back 100' of the deck and the transom which have collapsed. The bow is very impressive with the jib-boom still in place (the jib-boom is often mistakenly called the bow-sprit). The windlass, bilge pump and 3 anchors are still in place on the bow. Deadeyes, pulleys and pinrails are still present on the sides. The masts have fallen but lay across the deck. The afterdeck has broken away and lies to the port of the stern. It's 105' depth along with cold temperature, current and haunting beauty makes this a dive for only very experienced divers. The steering gear and ships wheel lay on the starboard of the afterdeck. A commemorative plaque has been placed next to the ships wheel. This impressive shipwreck, often refered to as the "Jewel of Tobermory", offers experienced divers a fulfilling challenge.