Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: HMS St Lawrence

•Type: Ship of the Line (Naval Frigate)

•Location of Wreck: N 44 12.952’, W 76 30.269’, near Kingston, Ontario, in Lake Ontario

•Depth: Approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters)

Vessel Type Description

HMS St Lawrence was a first-rate ship of the line, the largest and most powerful warship ever to sail the Great Lakes. Built for the British Navy during the War of 1812, it boasted an impressive 112 guns spread across three decks. Measuring 191 feet 2 inches in length with a beam of 52 feet 6 inches, it represented a monumental achievement in shipbuilding. Constructed in under 10 months by master shipbuilder John Dennis and a team of 200 shipwrights, HMS St Lawrence was a testament to rapid wartime innovation.

History

Construction of HMS St Lawrence began on April 12, 1814, at the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard in Kingston, Upper Canada. Launched on September 10, 1814, it was commanded by Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo, with Captain Frederick Hickey serving as Flag Captain. The vessel was built to secure British control of Lake Ontario, a strategic waterway during the War of 1812.

HMS St Lawrence’s sheer size and firepower effectively ended any U.S. plans to challenge British naval supremacy on the lake. Although it never engaged in combat, its presence alone deterred U.S. forces and played a pivotal role in maintaining British control during the war’s final months.

After the war, the ship was decommissioned in 1815 and stored. In 1832, its Hull was sold to Robert Drummond for £25 and used as a storage facility for Morton’s Brewery in Kingston. Eventually, the ship was intentionally scuttled in shallow waters near Kingston, where it lies today.

Final Disposition

HMS St Lawrence was scuttled intentionally in shallow waters off Kingston, Ontario. Resting in approximately 30 feet of water, the wreck remains largely intact and is a well-preserved artifact of naval history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck.

•Divers should be mindful of potential risks, including sharp objects, entanglement hazards, and low Visibility, which can occur in shallow-water wreck dives.

Located By & Date

The wreck has been well-documented and known to local divers and historians for many years due to its historical importance and accessible location.

Current Condition & Accessibility

HMS St Lawrence lies at a depth suitable for divers of varying skill levels. The wreck is remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. This allows for detailed exploration, providing insight into early 19th-century naval architecture. Divers should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the site, which is an important cultural and historical resource.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Wrecksite Database

•Kingston Shipwrecks

•Naval History and Heritage Command

Keywords

HMS St Lawrence, Ship of the Line, Lake Ontario, Kingston, War of 1812, British Navy, Naval Frigate, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Scuttled Wreck.

Analysis

HMS St Lawrence is one of the most significant naval vessels built on the Great Lakes. Constructed as a strategic response during the War of 1812, its sheer size and power served as an effective deterrent, ensuring British dominance on Lake Ontario. Its scuttled remains offer a rare glimpse into early 19th-century naval engineering and wartime construction techniques.

The wreck’s accessibility and preservation provide a unique opportunity for divers and historians to engage directly with Canada’s maritime past. HMS St Lawrence stands as a powerful reminder of the region’s pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the War of 1812 and the enduring legacy of naval power on the Great Lakes.