SHIPWRECK REPORT: UNIDENTIFIED Hull (“EMPRESS”)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Unidentified Hull (Nicknamed Empress)
• Type: Steamer (Part of the Maple Fleet)
• Location: Amherst Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44°12.563’ W 76°31.485’
• Depth: Approximately 60 feet (18 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Empress is believed to be an unidentified steam-powered vessel from the Maple Fleet, a group of steamers owned by the Canada Shipping Lines. Likely measuring 240 feet (73 meters) in length, this vessel was equipped with a boiler, confirming its operation as a Steamer. Ships of the Maple Fleet were vital in transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the fleet became outdated, many vessels were scuttled or burned in designated areas like the Amherst Island Graveyard.

HISTORY

The Empress is thought to have been scuttled in the 1920s, during an era when steam-powered ships were being replaced by more modern vessels. Steamers like this one were pivotal to the development of commerce on the Great Lakes, facilitating the movement of goods such as grain, coal, and industrial materials.

The deliberate sinking of vessels in the Amherst Island Graveyard marked the conclusion of their service life. This graveyard became a repository for retired ships that had outlived their economic utility. While the specific records of the Empress remain sparse, it is a testament to the evolution of maritime technology and the rise and fall of steam navigation on the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Empress lies at a depth of 60 feet (18 meters) in the Amherst Island Graveyard. Significant features of the wreck include:

•Boiler remnants, indicating its steam-powered origin.

•A largely intact Hull, encrusted with Zebra Mussels, offering a striking underwater view.

The wreck provides a fascinating snapshot of early 20th-century shipbuilding and serves as an underwater museum, showcasing the transition from traditional sailing vessels to steam-powered ships.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Caution for Divers:

•Strong currents and frequent boat traffic in the area necessitate careful planning and safety measures.

•Divers should use dive flags and surface markers to alert nearby vessels.

•Local Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories should be consulted before diving.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

•The wreck has deteriorated but retains significant structural integrity, with identifiable machinery such as the boiler and Hull sections.

•Encrustation by Zebra Mussels has altered the wreck’s appearance, providing a unique ecosystem for local aquatic life.

•Accessibility:

•The site is reachable by boat from nearby shores.

•Its depth of 60 feet makes it suitable for recreational divers with moderate experience.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Preserve Our Wrecks – Amherst Island Wrecks
• Wrecksite.eu – Amherst Island Wrecks
• Kingston Historical Society
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Empress, as part of the Maple Leaf Fleet, represents a significant period in the history of Great Lakes shipping. This was an era of industrial growth and technological innovation, with steamships enabling faster and more efficient transport than their sailing predecessors. The scuttling of vessels like the Empress reflects the economic and technological shifts that reshaped maritime commerce in the early 20th century.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the Empress offers a unique opportunity for historical and underwater exploration. Its connection to the Maple Fleet and its role in the history of steam-powered navigation make it a compelling subject for maritime historians and diving enthusiasts alike. Preserving its legacy through research and responsible diving ensures that future generations can continue to connect with this pivotal chapter in the story of the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

Empress, Amherst Island Graveyard, Maple Fleet, Lake Ontario wreck, Steamer shipwreck, Great Lakes history, scuttled vessels, maritime legacy, underwater exploration.