Shipwreck Report: Chrysler Park Wreck

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Unidentified Wooden Shipwreck
• Type: Presumed Barge or Schooner
• Location: Near Chrysler Park Marina, St. Lawrence River, Ontario
• Coordinates: Latitude: N 44° 55.850’, Longitude: W 75° 04.100’
• Depth: 18 to 30 feet (5.5 to 9 meters)
• Condition: Scattered and deteriorating remains

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Chrysler Park Wreck is believed to be a wooden vessel, likely a Barge or small Schooner, based on its construction features. Such vessels were widely used in the St. Lawrence River region for transporting goods or materials during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built for utility, these vessels were not designed for speed or elegance but served as reliable workhorses for local commerce.

HISTORY

The history of the Chrysler Park wreck is largely undocumented, a common fate for work vessels that were often unceremoniously Abandoned or lost. It is speculated that the vessel played a role in supporting the regional economy, ferrying essential goods or raw materials.

Possible Causes of Loss:

•Weather Conditions: Storms on the St. Lawrence River were a frequent hazard for smaller vessels.

•Structural Failure: Prolonged use and lack of maintenance could have led to the ship becoming unseaworthy.

•Scuttling: It is also possible the vessel was intentionally sunk when it outlived its usefulness.

The wreck’s features suggest it dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, aligning with the height of industrial activity and waterborne commerce in the region.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Sinking Incident: The circumstances of its loss remain unknown.

•Current Status: The wreck is scattered across the lakebed, with remnants of wooden planks and fastenings visible. The site remains a popular dive spot.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are linked to the Chrysler Park wreck.

•Divers should exercise caution due to potential hazards such as fishing lines and underwater debris.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•The wreck has been a known site among local divers since the mid-to-late 20th century. It gained popularity as recreational diving in the St. Lawrence River area increased.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

•The wreck is in a degraded but stable state, with parts of the wooden structure intact.

•Natural wear from water currents and environmental conditions continues to erode the remains.

•Accessibility:

•Suitable for divers of all skill levels due to its shallow depth and proximity to shore.

•Visibility can vary depending on weather and water conditions but is generally favorable for exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: A key resource for information on the Chrysler Park wreck and other dive sites in Ontario waters.
• Local Dive Clubs: Provide insights into diving conditions and hazards in the area.
• Maritime Museums: Visiting regional museums in the St. Lawrence area could shed light on similar vessels or uncover records linked to this wreck.

KEYWORDS

#Chrysler Park Wreck #St. Lawrence River Shipwrecks #Wooden Schooner #Maritime History #Great Lakes Diving #Shipwreck Preservation #Ontario Dive Sites

CONCLUSION

The Chrysler Park Wreck offers an intriguing glimpse into the region’s maritime past. Though its history remains speculative, the site provides an accessible and rewarding dive for those interested in exploring lesser-known shipwrecks. Its location in the scenic St. Lawrence River enhances its appeal as a destination for divers and history enthusiasts alike. Further research and exploration may one day reveal the vessel’s identity and the circumstances of its sinking, enriching our understanding of the area’s maritime heritage.