IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Unidentified Steam Launch
  • Location: Niagara Shoal, St. Lawrence River
  • GPS Coordinates: 44° 17.212′ N, 76° 0.243′ W
  • Depth: 90 feet (27.4 meters)
  • Bottom Conditions:
    • Steep shoal with a slope dropping to over 200 feet
    • Covered in white periwinkle shells
  • Proximity: 300 feet downstream from the wreck of the Iroquoise
  • Type: Late 19th-century steam launch
  • Dimensions: Approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters) in length
  • Condition:
    • Highly deteriorated
    • Buried in a layer of white periwinkle shells, which creates the illusion of a shallower depth
    • The engine was removed prior to the vessel’s abandonment
  • Position: Resting on a shelf above a steep slope

HISTORY

Discovery (1993):

The wreck was discovered by Dennis McCarthy during a non-contact survey of the Iroquoise conducted by the St. Lawrence Historical Foundation.

Historical Context:

The vessel is believed to be a small steam launch from the late 19th century. Its abandonment and deterioration suggest that it was stripped of useful parts (e.g., the engine) before being discarded.

Site Deterioration:

The wreck’s condition worsened significantly in 2009, likely due to strong currents and natural degradation of its wooden structure.

DIVE SITE DETAILS

Dive Conditions:

  • Currents: Strong and potentially hazardous; appropriate safety measures and advanced diving skills are required.
  • Visibility: Variable, but can be affected by sediment and current.
  • Access:
    • Site is located just inside the U.S. side of the shipping channel.
    • Approaching the site requires coordination to avoid interference with shipping traffic.

SIGNIFICANCE

The wreck serves as an example of smaller steam-powered vessels that were common during the late 19th century. Its proximity to the Iroquoise adds historical value, offering insights into maritime activity and vessel usage in the St. Lawrence River.

NOTES FOR DIVERS

Skill Level: Advanced due to depth, strong currents, and proximity to a shipping channel.

Precautions:

  • Do not use a surface marker buoy and dive flag to signal your presence. Major Shipping Lane
  • Ensure proper training in current diving techniques.

Points of Interest:

  • White periwinkle shell coverage on the wreck.
  • Positioning above a dramatic steep slope.

CONCLUSION

The unidentified steam launch on Niagara Shoal offers divers a challenging yet rewarding exploration of a piece of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime history. Its deteriorated condition and strong currents make it an advanced dive, but its historical context and unique resting environment provide a memorable underwater experience.

KEYWORDS

#SteamLaunch #NiagaraShoal #StLawrenceRiver #WreckDiving #MaritimeHistory #AdvancedDiveSites