Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Seaquester
• Former Names: None
• Registration Number(s): Not available
• Date Built and Launched: 1950
• Measurements: Length: 62 feet (18.9 meters)
• Date Lost: August 11, 1966

Vessel Type

Steel-Hulled Motor Yacht

Description

The Seaquester was a 62-foot (18.9-meter) steel-hulled motor yacht constructed in 1950 by Walter F. Carey, a trucking executive from Detroit, Michigan. Designed for ocean-going capabilities, the vessel was equipped with modern navigational aids of the time, including short-wave radio, radar, and depth-finding equipment. Powered by diesel engines, the Seaquester was a familiar sight along Burlington, Vermont’s waterfront, often moored at Perkins Pier and occasionally at the local Coast Guard Station. 

History

After its construction in 1950, the Seaquester served as a private motor yacht under the ownership of its builder, Walter F. Carey. In 1965, the vessel was purchased by William H. Scott, a contractor based in Burlington, Vermont. Under Scott’s ownership, the Seaquester continued to operate on Lake Champlain, participating in local events such as the Fourth of July celebrations on the Burlington Breakwater. On August 11, 1966, the Seaquester reportedly sank west of Juniper Island in Lake Champlain, coming to rest in approximately 300 feet (91 meters) of water. The circumstances surrounding the sinking remain unclear, and investigations at the time did not conclusively determine the cause. cite

Final Disposition

The Seaquester remained lost beneath the waters of Lake Champlain for several decades. In the summer of 2015, a team comprising Dan Scoville, Paul Garrison, Brian Lindner, and Scott Van Lear located the wreck off the coast of Burlington, Vermont. The discovery occurred during a search operation for a missing corporate jet, N400CP, which had disappeared shortly after takeoff from Burlington Airport. The Seaquester was found resting upright on the lakebed, largely intact despite its prolonged submersion. Subsequent explorations have documented the vessel’s condition, providing valuable insights into mid-20th-century yacht construction and the maritime history of Lake Champlain. 

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Seaquester was located in July 2015 by a team consisting of Dan Scoville, Paul Garrison, Brian Lindner, and Scott Van Lear. Their search efforts, initially aimed at locating a missing aircraft, led to the serendipitous discovery of the long-lost vessel.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The Seaquester lies at a depth of approximately 300 feet (91 meters) west of Juniper Island in Lake Champlain. Due to the significant depth and potential hazards associated with deep-water diving, the site is not part of the Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves and is not recommended for recreational divers. Mariners are advised to consult current navigational charts and exercise caution when operating in the vicinity to avoid potential underwater obstructions.

Resources & Links

• Shipwreck Stories: Lake Champlain Shipwreck – Seaquester
• Sketchfab 3D Model: Vessel Seaquester Upper Cabin Lake Champlain
• YouTube Video: Vessel Seaquester Lake Champlain

The Seaquester’s sinking adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history in Lake Champlain, reflecting the diverse array of vessels that have navigated its waters. The discovery and documentation of the Seaquester provide valuable insights into mid-20th-century yacht design and the enduring mysteries that lie beneath the lake’s surface.

For a visual exploration of the Seaquester wreck, you may find the following video informative:

3D Model

Vessel Seaquester Upper Cabin Lake Champlain by garyle802 on Sketchfab

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