Identification & Site Information

• •Wreck Name: L’Iroquoise (later H.M.S. Anson)
• •Type: French Corvette (later British Armed Vessel)
• •Dimensions:
• •Length: 80 feet (24.4 meters)
• •Depth: 80 feet of fresh water (ffw)
• •Location: St. Lawrence River, Wellesley Island
• •Coordinates: N44° 17’ 238” W76° 00’ 325”

Vessel Type Description

Originally launched as L’Iroquoise, this wooden-hulled French corvette was armed with ten 12-pound cannons and designed specifically for navigating the upper St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Its construction reflected the naval priorities of the French during the mid-18th century, emphasizing mobility and firepower to defend key positions. After its capture, the vessel served the British under the name H.M.S. Anson, carrying provisions and supplies for military campaigns.

Chronological History

•1759: Built by the French near modern-day Maitland, Ontario, L’Iroquoise was launched as part of the French fleet. It participated in defending Fort Niagara and played a prominent role in the Battle of the Thousand Islands, a decisive engagement in the French and Indian War.

•1760: While navigating the St. Lawrence, the vessel ran aground near Fort Lévis. The French scuttled it to prevent capture. Later that year, the British raised, repaired, and repurposed it, renaming it H.M.S. Anson.

•1761 (October 23): While en route to Fort Ontario at Oswego carrying provisions, H.M.S. Anson sank between Wellesley Island and the mainland. The loss marked the vessel’s final chapter.

Discovery & Survey Details

After three years of work by an international team organized by the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation (SRHF), the wreck was identified in the 1990s as L’Iroquoise/H.M.S. Anson. Key aspects of the project include:

•Permit: The New York Education Department authorized the survey.

•Techniques Used:

•Direct Survey Methods (DSM): Precise tape measurements combined with advanced software for site mapping.

•Photographic & Sonar Documentation: Enhanced the understanding of the wreck’s structure and condition.

•Collaborative Analysis: Data processed internationally, incorporating expertise from both continents.

The project utilized methodologies developed during the survey of the Mary Rose, a Tudor warship, demonstrating the application of cutting-edge preservation techniques in underwater archaeology.

Historical Significance

L’Iroquoise/H.M.S. Anson represents a rare and invaluable artifact of 18th-century naval history, highlighting:

1.French Naval Engineering: Showcasing the ingenuity of French shipbuilding during a critical period in North American history.

2.Strategic Importance of the St. Lawrence River: A pivotal theater in the French and Indian War, the river was vital for controlling access to the Great Lakes and the interior of the continent.

3.Collaboration & Conflict: The vessel’s service under both French and British flags reflects the shifting tides of empire and warfare.

Final Disposition

The vessel sank on October 23, 1761, while serving as H.M.S. Anson, carrying provisions to Fort Ontario. The wreck was lost until its rediscovery in the late 20th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The wreck is remarkably well-preserved for its age, protected by the cold, fresh waters of the St. Lawrence River. Its structure is largely intact, allowing for significant archaeological study.

•Accessibility: Located at a manageable depth of 80 feet, the site is accessible to experienced divers with proper permits. The site’s historical significance necessitates careful management to prevent disturbances.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners regarding the wreck, but divers and boaters should exercise caution to protect the site. Any exploration must comply with regulations established by the New York Education Department and Canadian Heritage authorities.

• Resources & Links
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
• St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation (SRHF): Project-specific details and ongoing preservation efforts.
• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive shipwreck records, including military vessels of the St. Lawrence.
• Mary Rose Archaeological Trust: Techniques and parallels in underwater preservation methods.
• 3D Shipwrecks – Iroquoise 

Conclusion

The discovery and documentation of L’Iroquoise/H.M.S. Anson stand as milestones in the study of maritime history and underwater archaeology. This wreck encapsulates the intersection of naval warfare, exploration, and colonial history in the 18th century. The St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation’s Iroquois Project exemplifies the power of international collaboration in preserving shared heritage.

Keywords

L’Iroquoise, H.M.S. Anson, French Navy, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, 18th-century naval history, underwater archaeology, Iroquois Project, Fort Niagara, Battle of the Thousand Islands.

3D Model