Here’s the detailed and formatted entry for the EASTCLIFFE HALL wreck:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Type of Wreck: Freighter

•Location: Chrysler Shoal, St. Lawrence River, near Crystal Shoal

•Coordinates: N 44° 55.4630’, W 75° 06.0270’

•Depth of Wreck: 65 feet (19.8 meters)

•Date of Sinking: 14 July 1970

SITE DESCRIPTION

The EASTCLIFFE HALL rests on Chrysler Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, marking one of the region’s most tragic maritime accidents. This steel-hulled propeller bulk freighter, submerged in 65 feet (19.8 meters) of water, is a prominent dive site for exploring the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The wreck provides a poignant reminder of the hazards of maritime navigation.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

Constructed in 1954 in Montreal, Quebec, the EASTCLIFFE HALL was designed for bulk cargo transport. Key specifications:

•Gross Tonnage: 3,335 tons

•Length: 343.33 feet (104.6 meters)

•Beam: 43.66 feet (13.3 meters)

•Depth: 22.66 feet (6.9 meters)

The freighter was primarily engaged in transporting commodities such as Pig Iron and was carrying 4,000 tons of this cargo at the time of its sinking.

HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT

On 14 July 1970, the EASTCLIFFE HALL strayed 100 feet off its designated channel due to a navigational error. The vessel grounded on a rock formation, and 40 minutes later, struck another rock. The collision caused catastrophic Hull damage, leading to the ship’s sinking within three minutes.

Key details of the tragedy:

•Captain: Albert Groulx, whose intoxicated state was identified as the primary cause of the incident.

•Casualties: Nine lives lost, including Captain Groulx, his son Alain Groulx, Chief Engineer William Demers, his wife Jacqueline Demers, their daughter Natalie Demers, and four crew members.

•Survivors: Rescued by Provincial Police after clinging to debris, including first mate Julien Marchand.

This was the first significant shipwreck in the St. Lawrence Seaway system. The quick submersion left only the masts and rigging visible above water. A joint investigation by the Board of Transport Commissioners and the U.S. Coast Guard highlighted the preventable nature of the tragedy.

DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE

The wreck of the EASTCLIFFE HALL offers divers an opportunity to explore the remnants of the freighter at a depth of 65 feet (19.8 meters).

•Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

•Key Features: Wreckage reveals insights into the ship’s construction and the circumstances of its sinking.

The site serves as both an underwater memorial and a vivid historical exploration for divers, offering a somber reflection on the lives lost in the tragedy.

ANALYSIS

The sinking of the EASTCLIFFE HALL highlights the devastating consequences of impaired judgment and navigational errors. As the fourth vessel owned by the Hall Corporation of Canada to sink within six years, the incident also raised questions about corporate safety practices.

The wreck remains a significant location for historical study and diving exploration, offering lessons in maritime safety and preservation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Detailed preservation efforts for Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Historical insights into shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

•Cornwall Dive Sites Guide: Information on local dive sites, including the EASTCLIFFE HALL wreck.

The EASTCLIFFE HALL continues to be a vital part of the St. Lawrence Seaway’s maritime history, combining historical intrigue with diving adventure.