Sylvan Island Shoal Pleasure Craft by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Pleasure Boat
• Former Names: Unknown
• Registration Numbers: Unknown
• Date Built and Launched: Unknown
• Measurements: Estimated length 20–30 feet (6–9 metres)
• Date Lost: Unknown; presumed mid-20th century

Located near Sylvan Shoal, on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River, the wreck of an unidentified pleasure boat rests at a relatively shallow depth. The site, approximately 15–25 feet (5–8 metres) deep, makes it accessible for recreational divers.

Vessel Type Description

The wreck appears to be a small wooden or composite pleasure craft, likely used for recreation, fishing, or short-distance transport. These boats were popular on the St. Lawrence River from the early to mid-20th century. Given its size and design, it was likely a privately owned vessel used for leisure activities such as cruising or fishing.

History

Pleasure boating became increasingly popular on the St. Lawrence River in the early 20th century as tourism in the Thousand Islands region grew. The rise of accessible recreational watercraft coincided with the development of small marine engines, allowing individuals and families to explore the river’s scenic beauty.

The wreck’s precise history is unknown, but the vessel’s design suggests it dates from the 1920s to the 1950s. Boats of this era were often constructed of wood, sometimes reinforced with early forms of composite materials. The unidentified pleasure boat may have been locally built or purchased from a regional manufacturer catering to the growing recreational boating market.

Its sinking could have been the result of an accident, weather event, or simple abandonment after its useful life ended. The proximity to Sylvan Shoal, a known navigational hazard in the area, suggests the possibility of grounding or collision.

Final Disposition

The vessel’s remains are modest and degraded, with much of the Hull having deteriorated over time. Only fragments of the structure, including sections of the frame and some fastenings, are visible. The absence of identifiable markings or significant machinery makes it difficult to determine its origin or ownership.

Located By & Date Found

Located By: Daniel Gildea, Shotline Divng

Date Found: Likely known locally but remains undocumented in formal records

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) explicitly related to this wreck. The site poses minimal navigational hazard due to its shallow depth and sheltered location, but boaters and divers should always exercise caution in areas with submerged debris or shoals.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: Highly deteriorated; wooden and metallic components heavily degraded.

Accessibility: The wreck is accessible to snorkelers and novice divers due to its shallow depth. Water clarity in the St. Lawrence River varies but can be good, especially in calm conditions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: For historical context on boating in the St. Lawrence River.
• Thousand Islands Tourism: Resources on the region’s history and recreational activities.

Conclusion

The unidentified pleasure boat near Sylvan Shoal represents a modest but intriguing relic of the St. Lawrence River’s rich recreational boating history. While its identity and story remain elusive, it serves as a reminder of the many personal and untold histories connected to this iconic waterway. Further exploration and documentation may yield additional details about its origins and use.