Kingston Project – Shotline Diving

Uncovering, Documenting, and Preserving the Shipwrecks of the Kingston Region

The Kingston Project, led by SLD’s Liason Matthew Charlesworth, is a collaborative initiative dedicated to the discovery, documentation, and preservation of shipwrecks in the waters surrounding Kingston, Ontario. With a rich maritime history dating back centuries, Kingston’s waters hold over 200 known wrecks, ranging from wooden schooners and steel freighters to paddle steamers and naval vessels. Many of these shipwrecks lie in remarkable condition due to the cold, freshwater environment of the Great Lakes, making this region one of North America’s premier locations for underwater archaeology and recreational diving.

Collaborative Partnerships

The Kingston Project operates in conjunction with several prominent organizations, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the effort:

Preserve Our Wrecks (POW) Kingston – A non-profit organization committed to the protection and responsible exploration of Kingston’s shipwrecks through education and advocacy.
Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) – A provincial organization dedicated to preserving Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage through research, mooring programs, and diver awareness initiatives.
3DShipwrecks.org – A cutting-edge initiative utilizing photogrammetry and advanced imaging techniques to create high-resolution 3D models of shipwrecks, allowing for virtual exploration and long-term preservation.

Kingston’s Maritime Significance

Kingston’s strategic position at the junction of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and the Rideau Canal has made it a hub of maritime activity for centuries. From the age of sail to the rise of steam-powered vessels, countless ships have traversed these waters, many meeting their fate due to storms, collisions, mechanical failures, or wartime actions.

Among the over 200 identified wrecks in the region, notable examples include:

• Wolfe Island Graveyard Wrecks – An intriguing collection of scuttled vessels near Kingston’s largest island.
• Munson – A well-preserved dredger, famous among local divers.
• Comet – A 19th-century sidewheel steamer, one of the earliest vessels lost on the Great Lakes.

Mission and Goals

The Kingston Project aims to:

✅ Document and map shipwreck sites using modern technology.
✅ Preserve maritime heritage through responsible diving and mooring programs.
✅ Educate and engage the diving community and the public through historical research and digital archives.
✅ Support ongoing research by collaborating with universities, historians, and marine archaeologists.

A Living Legacy Beneath the Waves

With new discoveries continuously being made, the Kingston Project serves as a bridge between history, exploration, and conservation, ensuring that these underwater time capsules remain protected for future generations. Through meticulous research, digital preservation, and community engagement, the project sheds light on Kingston’s rich shipwreck heritage while promoting safe and sustainable diving practices.