Dennis R. McCarthy is a prominent figure in the Thousand Islands region, particularly in Cape Vincent, New York. A graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he retired in 2009 from a professional career in engineering management within the Consumer Electronics and CATV industries. Throughout his career, Dennis traveled to 28 countries, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge.
A certified scuba diver for over 48 years, Dennis made his first dives in the St. Lawrence River in 1971. He co-founded the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation (SRHF) in 1993, an organization dedicated to underwater archaeology and the preservation of maritime history. Notably, he helped organize the underwater survey of the Niagara Shoal Wreck, identified as the French warship L’Iroquois, which sank in 1761.
Dennis has authored several articles and history books about shipwrecks in the Thousand Islands, contributing significantly to the documentation and preservation of the region’s maritime heritage. He also volunteers at several local historical museums, sharing his expertise and passion for history with the community.
In addition to his work with the SRHF, Dennis serves as the current president of the Clayton Diving Club. Alongside his wife, Kathi, and long-time friend, Skip Couch, he promotes scuba diving in the Thousand Islands area through the Thousand Islands Area Scuba Divers website and by writing and publishing diving guides and shipwreck books.
Dennis’s dedication to preserving and promoting the maritime history of the Thousand Islands has left an indelible mark on the community, inspiring both residents and visitors to appreciate the rich underwater heritage of the region.