SITE DESCRIPTION:

The Unidentified Hull lies submerged in the St. Lawrence River, approximately 800 meters west of the Guindon Park boat ramp. Discovered by divers Steve Blanchard and Marc-Antoine Perreault on May 5, 2024, this wreck rests at a depth of 14 meters (50 feet) within the remnants of a submerged canal. The site is part of the vast underwater landscape that resulted from the flooding of the area during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

Given the state of the wreck, the specific type of vessel remains unidentified. The Hull could belong to a variety of small to medium-sized craft commonly used in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The wreck’s condition and location suggest it might have been a working vessel such as a Barge or a smaller riverboat, used for transporting goods or passengers along the St. Lawrence River before it was submerged.

HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT:

The vessel, now referred to as the Unidentified Hull, was likely part of the busy maritime activity that characterized the St. Lawrence River before the flooding that came with the construction of the Seaway. Many vessels were Abandoned, scuttled, or otherwise lost when the Seaway’s construction dramatically altered the landscape, including the submersion of entire communities and infrastructure.

The Unidentified Hull adds to the numerous mysteries that lie beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River, a region rich in maritime history. The lack of identifiable features makes it difficult to determine the exact origin or use of the vessel. Further exploration and analysis may provide more clues to its identity.

DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE:

Divers visiting this site will encounter the skeletal remains of a vessel lying on the riverbed. The relatively shallow depth of 14 meters makes it accessible to most divers. Visibility can vary, but the site provides an intriguing exploration opportunity for those interested in underwater archaeology and the history of the St. Lawrence River.

The site’s proximity to Guindon Park offers convenient access for dive teams. The submerged canal setting adds an element of historical intrigue, as divers are essentially exploring what was once a bustling waterway, now silent and still beneath the river’s surface.

ANALYSIS:

The discovery of the Unidentified Hull in the St. Lawrence River highlights the rich, yet often overlooked, underwater heritage of the area. The site serves as a reminder of the many vessels lost to time, whether through abandonment or the dramatic changes brought about by the St. Lawrence Seaway project. Continued exploration and study of the wreck could provide insights into the vessel’s origins and its role in the river’s history.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: An organization dedicated to the preservation and study of Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.
• Cornwall Dive Sites Guide: Information on dive sites around Cornwall, Ontario.
• St. Lawrence Seaway History: Resources detailing the history and impact of the St. Lawrence Seaway on local communities and waterways.

KEYWORDS:

Unidentified Hull, Guindon Park, St. Lawrence River Wreck, Submerged Canal, Underwater Archaeology, Ontario Dive Sites.