Dauntless Steam Yacht by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

Identification & Site Information

• •Name: Dauntless
• •Type: Steam Yacht
• •Dimensions:
• •Length: 86 feet (25 meters)
• •Beam: 20 feet (6 meters)
• •Depth: Unknown
• •Propulsion: Propeller-driven
• •Depth at Wreck Site: Approximately 50 feet (16 meters)
• •Location: Between Washington Island and Round Island, St. Lawrence River, near Clayton, New York.
• •Coordinates: 44° 14.940’N, 76° 4.310’W

Vessel Type Description

The Dauntless was a wooden steam yacht, designed for both luxury and function. At the time of its operation, it was among the most prominent vessels on the St. Lawrence River, boasting a capacity for 100 passengers and serving as a symbol of opulence and transportation innovation. The yacht’s wide decking and decorative scrollwork emphasized its elegant design, while its propulsion system enabled smooth operation across the region’s waters.

History

The Dauntless held a notable position on the St. Lawrence River, both as a private and passenger vessel:

1.Acquisition by Brown Boat Line (1921): After its acquisition, the yacht became a central figure in the Clayton to Alexandria Bay route, operating regular passenger schedules.

2.Mid-1900s Salvage: The Dauntless was salvaged by a local shipbuilder in Clayton, during which its engine and most of its metalwork were removed.

3.Final Demise: Following its salvage, the Dauntless was intentionally burned and set adrift, eventually sinking between Washington Island and Round Island. The vessel has remained submerged at this location since before 1970.

Current Condition

The wreck of the Dauntless, while damaged, retains several distinguishable features:

• Partially Intact Decking: Remnants of decking with bright white Caulking are visible.
• Decorative Scrollwork: The bow retains some of its original scrollwork, indicative of the vessel’s luxurious design.
• Metalwork Remains: Fragments of metal for a canvas canopy are found near the wreck.
• Timbers: Large wooden beams are scattered around the site.

The engine and substantial portions of the metal infrastructure were removed during the mid-1900s salvage operation.

Final Disposition

The Dauntless now rests at approximately 50 feet of water between Washington and Round Islands in the St. Lawrence River. While partially deteriorated, the wreck remains a point of interest for divers and maritime historians, providing a glimpse into the luxury yachts of the early 20th century and the industrial efforts to salvage and repurpose vessels during that time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

General Advisory: Divers should exercise caution when exploring the wreck, particularly around the large timbers and metal remnants, which may pose risks of entanglement or injury.

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in place for the site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archival records of Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical documentation of the Dauntless and other shipwrecks.
• New York State Newspapers Online: Period accounts of the Dauntless’s service and loss.
• 3D Model by St. Lawrence River Historical Society:
• 3D Shipwrecks – Dauntless

Keywords

Dauntless, Steam Yacht, St. Lawrence River, Round Island Wreck, Washington Island, Clayton New York, Brown Boat Line, Passenger Yacht, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Luxury Vessel, Salvage Operations.

Conclusion

The Dauntless is a compelling artifact of early 20th-century luxury yachting and commercial passenger transport on the St. Lawrence River. Its history reflects both the opulence of its era and the practical realities of vessel salvage and repurposing. While the deliberate destruction of the vessel marked the end of its service, its remains provide a unique opportunity for exploration and study of historic yacht construction and the challenges of maritime preservation in the region.