Identification & Dive Site Information

•Location: Howe Island, St. Lawrence River

•Dive Site Name: CORA W POST Site

•Depth Range: Shore dive descending to 121 feet of freshwater (ffw) at the deepest point

•Features: Line-guided exploration with notable artifacts, making it an engaging and historical dive site

Site Description

The CORA W POST site near Howe Island in the St. Lawrence River offers an exciting shore dive featuring a line leading divers down to a depth of 121 ffw. The site is rich in artifacts and underwater features, making it ideal for divers interested in historical and recreational exploration. Notable highlights include:

1.Bilge Pump with Duck Decoy: Located west of the descent line, this unique feature stands out as a point of interest, offering a quirky and memorable underwater landmark.

2.Wagon Wheels: On the return ascent to 30 feet, divers encounter scattered wagon wheels, adding a historical touch to the dive experience.

Dive Plan and Accessibility

•Entry: Shore entry from Howe Island.

•Descent: Follow the line to reach the maximum depth of 121 ffw, ensuring you stay on course for a safe and directed dive.

•Exploration: Head west at depth to find the Bilge pump with a duck decoy.

•Return Path: Retrace your route, ascending gradually to 30 feet, where you’ll encounter wagon wheels as additional points of interest.

Conditions

•Visibility: Varies seasonally but typically moderate to good, depending on weather and current.

•Water Temperature:

•Summer: Approximately 65-70°F (18-21°C) at shallower depths

•Below the thermocline (~50-60 ft): Temperatures drop to 40-50°F (4-10°C)

•Current: The St. Lawrence River is known for moderate currents; be prepared for potential drift and adjust your dive plan accordingly.

Dive Suitability

•Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

•Hazards: Strong currents, thermocline, and potential for entanglement in artifacts like wagon wheels or other submerged debris.

•Gear Recommendations: A dive light is advisable to illuminate features at depth, especially near the Bilge pump and wagon wheels. A drysuit is recommended for colder conditions below the thermocline.

Points of Interest

1.CORA W POST Artifacts: The site itself is linked to historical shipping activity, with various features offering glimpses into the past.

2.Bilge Pump with Duck Decoy: A whimsical yet fascinating underwater highlight that sparks curiosity.

3.Wagon Wheels: Scattered wheels provide evidence of transportation history, likely remnants of lost or discarded cargo.

Conservation & Safety

•Conservation: Divers should avoid disturbing or removing artifacts to preserve the site’s historical integrity. Observing without contact ensures its longevity for future exploration.

•Safety: Ensure appropriate training and familiarity with deep dives and currents in the St. Lawrence River. Follow the line and ascend gradually to prevent decompression sickness.

Conclusion

The CORA W POST site near Howe Island is a fascinating dive spot blending history and underwater exploration. The unique combination of artifacts, from the Bilge pump and duck decoy to the wagon wheels, makes it an engaging experience for divers. The site’s depth and conditions call for skillful planning, but the rewards are worth the effort for those seeking a memorable dive in the St. Lawrence River.

Keywords

•CORA W POST

•Howe Island Dive

•St. Lawrence River Shipwrecks

•Shore Dive

•Bilge Pump with Duck Decoy

•Wagon Wheels Underwater

•Great Lakes Diving

•Historical Artifacts Dive Site

•121 ffw Dive Exploration