Great Lakes Underwater Explorers (GLUE) – Kingston, ON (Now Defunct)
The Great Lakes Underwater Explorers (GLUE) was a prominent diving organization based in Kingston, Ontario, dedicated to exploring, documenting, and preserving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, particularly the Lake Ontario region. Though the group is now defunct, its contributions to the diving and maritime history community remain significant.
Mission and Objectives
GLUE’s mission focused on:
1. Exploration:
• Conducting underwater expeditions to discover and document new shipwrecks.
• Exploring lesser-known wrecks in the Kingston area and surrounding waters.
2. Documentation and Preservation:
• Using advanced technologies such as sonar and underwater photography to record wreck sites.
• Advocating for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Great Lakes.
3. Community Engagement:
• Collaborating with local divers, historians, and archaeologists to promote maritime history.
• Organizing diving events and educational workshops to foster interest in underwater exploration.
Activities and Contributions
1. Wreck Exploration
GLUE was instrumental in exploring many of the shipwrecks near Kingston, often referred to as the “Freshwater Diving Capital of the World.” The group’s efforts contributed to the discovery and documentation of:
• The City of Sheboygan
• The Comet
• The Kingston Graveyard Wrecks
2. Promotion of Kingston Diving
GLUE played a key role in promoting Kingston as a premier diving destination. The area’s cold, fresh waters have preserved wrecks in remarkable condition, making it a hotspot for divers from across North America.
3. Advocacy for Preservation
GLUE supported sustainable diving practices, emphasizing the importance of protecting wrecks from looting and anchor damage. The group also collaborated with other organizations, such as Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS), to advocate for the responsible use of underwater resources.
4. Educational Outreach
The organization hosted events, lectures, and dive outings to educate the public and divers about the historical and cultural significance of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
Legacy of GLUE
Although the Great Lakes Underwater Explorers is no longer active, its legacy endures through:
• Documented Discoveries:
• Many of the wrecks explored by GLUE are now part of the public record, thanks to the group’s meticulous documentation and collaboration with regional archives.
• Diving Community Impact:
• GLUE’s efforts inspired local dive shops and clubs to continue exploring and protecting wrecks in the Kingston area.
• Maritime History:
• The group’s work contributed to the broader understanding of Great Lakes shipwrecks and their role in the region’s economic and cultural development.
Notable Shipwrecks Explored by GLUE
1. The Comet:
• A well-preserved sidewheel steamer lying in 95 feet of water.
• One of Kingston’s most iconic dive sites.
2. The City of Sheboygan:
• A wooden propeller steamer located in 90 feet of water.
3. Kingston Graveyard Wrecks:
• A collection of scuttled ships in Kingston Harbour, offering a unique diving experience.
Conclusion
Though Great Lakes Underwater Explorers (GLUE) has ceased operations, the group’s impact on the diving community and its contributions to the exploration and preservation of shipwrecks in the Kingston area remain noteworthy. Divers and historians continue to benefit from GLUE’s work, ensuring that the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes is remembered and appreciated for generations to come.
Tags:
#GLUE #GreatLakesShipwrecks #KingstonShipwrecks #UnderwaterExploration #MaritimeHistory #WreckDiving #LakeOntario #ShipwreckPreservation