IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name: Unidentified Daggerboard

Type: Daggerboard Sailboat

Location: St. Lawrence River, near Alexandria Bay, New York, USA

Coordinates: N 44° 22’52.12” W 75° 53’23.14”

Date of Confirmation: August 4, 2009

Depth: 74 feet (22.6 meters)

Dimensions: Approximately 78 feet (23.8 meters) long by 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide (deteriorated and partially buried).

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Unidentified Daggerboard is a sailboat equipped with a retractable Keel, known as a daggerboard. This design allowed the vessel to navigate in varying water depths, making it ideal for the diverse conditions of the St. Lawrence River. Commonly used for leisure, fishing, or small-scale transport, daggerboard sailboats were versatile vessels. Due to its deteriorated state, identifying this particular wreck has been challenging, but it likely dates to the mid-20th century.

HISTORY

The Unidentified Daggerboard came to public attention thanks to local mariner Jay Paraino, who first discovered the wreck. On August 4, 2009, divers Tim Caza and James Anastasia conducted a verification dive, confirming its type and surveying its remains. Despite a thorough examination, no distinctive markings or identifiers were found to provide insight into the vessel’s origin or use.

The wreck likely represents one of the many small vessels that were integral to the bustling activity of the St. Lawrence River, a vital waterway for commerce, recreation, and fishing. It may have sunk due to inclement weather, navigational error, or other unforeseen circumstances, though the exact cause of its sinking remains unknown.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Unidentified Daggerboard wreck lies at a depth of 74 feet (22.6 meters), submerged and partially buried in the riverbed. Its deteriorated state obscures many features, but the wreck remains a point of interest for underwater archaeologists and divers exploring the region’s maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with this wreck. However, as with all underwater historical sites, mariners and divers are advised to navigate and explore with care to preserve the integrity of the site.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck was first discovered by Jay Paraino. Verification dives by Tim Caza and James Anastasia confirmed its type on August 4, 2009. Subsequent surveys by Shotline Diving (SLD) and further imaging efforts in 2023 and 2024 have contributed to the site’s documentation, including a 3D model.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck’s condition is poor, with substantial deterioration and partial burial in the riverbed. The wooden Hull and other features have decayed, making it difficult to identify specific design details. Despite its state, the wreck is accessible to divers at a depth of 74 feet, offering opportunities for exploration and historical study. Care is advised to avoid damaging the remains or disturbing the site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Thousand Islands Museum, Clayton, NY: Potentially houses records or historical context about shipwrecks in the area.

•St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation: Provides broader context on maritime activities in the river.

•WreckSite: Online shipwreck database with expanding records.

•Sonarguy – St. Lawrence Scow 2

•Sketchfab: Features 3D models of underwater sites, including the Daggerboard Scow.

•Wikipedia: General reference on daggerboard sailboats and their significance.

CONCLUSION

The Unidentified Daggerboard represents a fascinating piece of St. Lawrence River maritime history. First identified in 2009, this wreck serves as a reminder of the region’s diverse boating activities. Its retractable Keel design reflects the ingenuity of vessels designed to adapt to the varying depths of the river.

Despite its deteriorated state, the wreck offers a unique dive experience for enthusiasts of historical exploration. Ongoing efforts, such as 3D imaging and archival research, may eventually shed light on the vessel’s identity and its role in the region’s storied maritime past.

KEYWORDS

#UnidentifiedDaggerboard #StLawrenceRiver #AlexandriaBay #DaggerboardSailboat #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration #WoodenShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckDiscovery #DiveSites