Identification & Site Information
• Vessel Name: Speedy
• Type: Wooden Cris Craft
• Location: St. Lawrence River, near Casino Island, Alexandria Bay, New York, USA
• Coordinates: Not specifically provided, but located in the center of the shipping lane near Casino Island.
• Depth: Within recreational diving range (exact depth not specified).
Vessel Type Description
The Speedy is a wooden Cris Craft, a luxury motorboat renowned for its elegant design, robust performance, and high-quality craftsmanship. Popular in the mid-20th century, Cris Craft boats were symbols of leisure and opulence, often used for recreational cruising, racing, and short excursions. Their wooden hulls, polished finishes, and powerful engines made them a favorite among boating enthusiasts.
History
The Speedy likely served as a recreational vessel, navigating the scenic St. Lawrence River, a region famous for its boating culture and picturesque islands. Cris Craft boats like the Speedy were a common sight in Alexandria Bay, where they were used for leisurely cruising and exploring the Thousand Islands.
Details about the vessel’s specific history, including ownership and circumstances leading to its sinking, remain unclear. It is possible that mechanical failure, a collision, or other unforeseen events contributed to its demise.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Speedy lies in the center of a heavily trafficked shipping lane near Casino Island in Alexandria Bay. Its sinking may have been caused by:
• Collision: A frequent hazard in busy waterways.
• Grounding: Common in regions with shallow areas and rocky outcroppings.
• Mechanical Failure: A plausible issue for older vessels.
The exact cause remains undocumented, warranting further investigation.
NOTMARs & Advisories
While no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued for the Speedy, the site’s location in a busy shipping lane presents a potential hazard for both mariners and divers. Divers must exercise extreme caution:
• Use appropriate surface markers (e.g., dive flags).
• Stay vigilant for vessel traffic.
• Coordinate with local authorities or dive operators before planning dives.
Located By & Date
The Speedy was likely discovered by local divers or maritime authorities during routine exploration or navigation checks. Its prominent location in a shipping lane increases the likelihood of casual observation by boaters or underwater exploration enthusiasts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
• Condition: The wreck is typical of submerged wooden vessels, with structural deterioration expected due to prolonged submersion. Specific features of Cris Craft design, such as chrome fixtures or engine components, may remain visible.
• Accessibility:
• The site is accessible to recreational divers, especially those interested in historical wooden boats.
• Divers should be experienced due to the challenges posed by the shipping lane location, including current navigation and Visibility concerns.
• A surface support system and real-time traffic monitoring are highly recommended.
Resources & Links
1. Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, NY:
A leading resource for Cris Craft history and preservation.
2. St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation:
Offers historical context for regional wrecks and maritime activity.
3. WreckSite Database:
A comprehensive shipwreck database that could include future updates on the Speedy.
4. Local Diving Clubs and Societies:
Contact regional dive organizations for firsthand accounts, dive logs, or underwater imagery.
Photos
No confirmed photographs of the wreck are available. However, images may exist in private collections or from exploratory dives by local divers. Interested parties should contact diving associations in Alexandria Bay for potential access.
Conclusion
The Speedy represents a unique chapter in St. Lawrence River’s rich maritime history, combining the allure of luxury wooden motorboats with the mystique of shipwreck exploration. Its location near Casino Island, a bustling area for both recreational and commercial activity, adds intrigue to its story. Further exploration and research could shed light on the vessel’s origin, use, and the events that led to its sinking.
Keywords
#WoodenCrisCraft #SpeedyWreck #StLawrenceRiverShipwreck #AlexandriaBayDiving #CasinoIslandWreck #MaritimeHistory #ClassicBoatExploration #LuxuryBoats
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