Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Hull (Carnegie Bay Schooner)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Unidentified Hull (Carnegie Bay Schooner)

•Type: Presumed Schooner

•Location: Carnegie Bay, St. Lawrence River, near Clayton, New York

•Date of Incident: Not specified

•GPS Coordinates: Not available

•Depth: Likely within recreational diving range; specific details not provided.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

This wreck is presumed to be a Schooner, a common 19th-century sailing vessel on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Known for their versatility, schooners carried goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities. Their speed and maneuverability made them essential for regional commerce and trade.

HISTORY

The history of this unidentified Schooner remains speculative due to a lack of identifiable features or historical documentation. However, Carnegie Bay, located in the Thousand Islands region, was a bustling waterway during the 19th century. It served as a vital corridor for trade and transportation, making it a hotspot for maritime activity and, unfortunately, accidents.

Potential Causes of Loss:

•Collision: With busy traffic and narrow channels, collisions were not uncommon.

•Grounding: The rocky shoals of the Thousand Islands posed navigational hazards, particularly in poor Visibility.

•Storms: Sudden and severe weather changes in the St. Lawrence region often overwhelmed even experienced crews.

The shipwreck may date to the height of the Schooner trade (mid-to-late 19th century), but further research and artifact analysis would be needed to confirm its timeline and origins.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The unidentified Schooner lies in Carnegie Bay, which is known for its strong currents and underwater hazards. The cause of its sinking remains unknown, though grounding or collision is likely. The wreck is considered a historical point of interest rather than a navigational hazard.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck. However, mariners should exercise caution in the Thousand Islands area due to submerged hazards and strong currents.

LOCATED BY & DATE

This wreck was likely discovered by local divers or maritime historians. The exact discovery date is not documented. The site continues to attract interest from divers and researchers in the region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The wooden remains are likely in a deteriorated state, typical of long-submerged vessels. Some structural elements, such as the Hull and frames, may still be intact but heavily weathered.

•Accessibility: The wreck is accessible to experienced divers, though the strong currents in the St. Lawrence River require advanced diving skills and proper precautions. Diving is best undertaken with local guides familiar with the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Thousand Islands Museum (Clayton, NY): Offers insights into the maritime history of the region.

2.St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation: Provides a broader context for the history of shipping and trade in the area.

PHOTOS

Currently, no known photographs of the wreck exist in public records. Local divers or historians may have images from exploratory dives, which can potentially be accessed through museums or diving organizations in the area.

KEYWORDS

•Unidentified Schooner

•Carnegie Bay Wreck

•St. Lawrence River Shipwreck

•Thousand Islands Diving

•Maritime History

•Schooner Trade

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Historical Diving Sites

CONCLUSION

The Unidentified Hull (Carnegie Bay Schooner) represents a piece of the rich maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River. Its location in Carnegie Bay places it in one of the most historically significant regions for shipping and navigation on the river. While much about this wreck remains unknown, it serves as a fascinating diving destination and a potential subject for further historical research. Ongoing exploration may one day reveal the secrets of this enigmatic vessel and its role in the maritime history of the Thousand Islands.