Here’s the structured and formalized entry for the Catherine wreck:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Catherine

•Type: Steam Yacht

•Length: 50 feet (16 meters)

•Final Location: Sunken Rock Light, St. Lawrence River

•Coordinates: 44° 20.924’ N, 75° 54.778’ W

•Depth: 65 to 75 feet (20 to 25 meters)

•Date of Incident: 1890

•Final Fate: Sunk after a collision with the Steamer St. Lawrence

•Wreck Discovered: 1970s

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Catherine was a steam-powered yacht, a vessel type widely used in the late 19th century for leisure and short-distance transportation. With a length of 50 feet, the yacht combined elegance and practicality, powered by a steam engine that represented technological advancements of the time. Its size and design made it ideal for private use on rivers and lakes in North America.

HISTORY

Construction and Service:

Little is known about the construction details and ownership of the Catherine, but it was emblematic of the steam yacht’s role in 19th-century maritime life, offering convenience and luxury for its operators.

Collision and Sinking:

In 1890, the Catherine met its tragic end near Sunken Rock Light in the St. Lawrence River. A collision with the larger Steamer St. Lawrence proved catastrophic, causing the smaller yacht to sink rapidly.

•Circumstances:

Details of the collision remain undocumented, but the incident highlights the dangers of navigating busy waterways during an era when shipping regulations and communication tools were less advanced.

•Outcome:

The yacht sank to the riverbed, and its loss serves as a stark reminder of the perils of 19th-century maritime travel.

Discovery of the Wreck:

The wreck of the Catherine was discovered in the 1970s by divers near Sunken Rock Light, a landmark known for its navigational challenges. Despite decades underwater, the vessel’s Hull and steam boiler were remarkably intact.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition:

The Catherine is well-preserved, with its wooden Hull largely intact and the boiler upright. The wreck is encrusted with Zebra Mussels and periwinkle shells, showcasing the environmental changes in the Great Lakes since the vessel’s sinking.

Accessibility:

•Location: Situated within a busy shipping channel, adding complexity and risk for divers.

•Diving Challenges:

•Strong currents in the area.

•High boat traffic due to the site’s proximity to a major waterway.

•Visibility: Visibility may vary due to river conditions, requiring advanced diving skills and caution.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Catherine provides valuable insights into the design and technology of 19th-century steam yachts, a vessel class associated with leisure and innovation. Its sinking underscores the navigational hazards of the St. Lawrence River during a time when maritime travel was vital but fraught with risks.

The discovery of the wreck highlights the enduring legacy of such vessels and offers an opportunity for divers and historians to study a preserved example of 19th-century steam technology. The presence of invasive species like Zebra Mussels also illustrates the environmental evolution of the region.

DIVING THE WRECK

Diving the Catherine is both a challenging and rewarding experience:

•What to Expect: Divers will find an intact Hull, the upright boiler, and encrustations of marine life, creating a snapshot of a bygone era.

•Safety Considerations:

•Divers must be aware of nearby shipping traffic and strong currents.

•Advanced diving skills and safety measures are recommended due to the site’s conditions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and details on the Catherine and similar vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Catherine.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Resources for the preservation and exploration of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

•Diver’s Guide to the St. Lawrence River: A valuable tool for divers exploring the Catherine and other wrecks in the area.

KEYWORDS

Catherine, Steam Yacht, 1890 Shipwreck, St. Lawrence River, Sunken Rock Light, Great Lakes Maritime History, Steamer St. Lawrence Collision, 19th-Century Vessels.

ANALYSIS

The Catherine offers a window into the maritime culture of the late 19th century, demonstrating the elegance and functionality of steam yachts. Its collision with the Steamer St. Lawrence and subsequent sinking highlight the risks faced by vessels navigating busy waterways like the St. Lawrence River.

The wreck’s preservation and discovery provide an invaluable resource for divers and maritime historians, showcasing the construction techniques of the era and the enduring legacy of these small but significant vessels in Great Lakes history.