Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes GotoKeystorm C 129749

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: SS KEYSTORM
Type: Steel Steam Barge (Freighter)
Year Built: 1910
Builder: Wallsend, England
Dimensions: Length: 250 feet (76 meters) Beam: 43 feet (13 meters) Gross Tonnage: 1673 tons
Owner: Keystone Transportation Company, Montreal, Canada
Final Resting Place: St. Lawrence River, near Alexandria Bay
Coordinates: N44 35.358, W75 40.625
Depth: 20 to 120 feet (6 to 36 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The KEYSTORM was a steel-hulled steam Barge designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. Built in Wallsend, England, in 1910, it was a modern vessel of its time, embodying advancements in steel construction and steam propulsion. The ship was intended for durability and efficiency, with a single screw propeller powered by steam. Its robust design and size made it a vital asset for transporting commodities such as coal.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

The KEYSTORM was commissioned by the Keystone Transportation Company and launched in 1910. It operated primarily as a freighter, carrying coal and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes and through the St. Lawrence River. The vessel was valued for its modern design and capabilities, making it a significant player in the regional shipping industry.

The Wreck

On October 26, 1912, while navigating the St. Lawrence River, the KEYSTORM encountered dense fog, which reduced Visibility to near zero. The vessel struck Howe Island Reef around 4 a.m. Despite the impact, the crew evacuated safely, later rescued and transported to Brockville, Ontario. The KEYSTORM sank shortly after, coming to rest in water depths ranging from 20 to 120 feet.

The ship carried a valuable cargo of coal estimated at $120,000, adding to the loss suffered by the Keystone Transportation Company.

SALVAGE EFFORTS

In October 1913, the Compressed Air Salvage Co. attempted to recover the KEYSTORM. Divers and specialized equipment aboard the STM. RELIANCE aimed to pump water from the hold using compressed air, hoping to float the vessel. While innovative, this technique faced significant challenges. Despite the effort, the salvage operation ultimately did not result in the KEYSTORM’s recovery. The cargo of coal was later removed in 1919.

FINAL RESTING PLACE

The wreck of the KEYSTORM remains submerged in the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay. The vessel lies at a depth ranging from 20 to 120 feet, with the Stern in deeper water and the bow closer to the surface. This variation in depth makes the site both challenging and accessible to divers, offering a unique underwater exploration experience.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The KEYSTORM is one of the most popular dive sites in the St. Lawrence River. Its location, depth range, and relatively intact structure make it an intriguing site for recreational and technical divers. The wreck provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering, with many features still recognizable. The bow section, which lies in shallower waters, is often the starting point for dives, while the Stern provides a deeper, more technical challenge.

LEGACY AND SIGNIFICANCE

The sinking of the KEYSTORM represents a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shipping. Its brief operational history, combined with the tragic circumstances of its wreck, highlights the dangers of navigation in these waters. The salvage efforts undertaken in the years following the sinking underscore the ingenuity and determination of the maritime community during the early 20th century.

Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a diving attraction, preserving the legacy of the vessel and its role in the development of regional commerce.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Maritime History of the Great Lakes
David Swayze Shipwreck File
Save Ontario Shipwrecks
Wrecks and Reefs
Bowling Green State University
YouTube: Dan Gildea’s Dive Video (below)

KEYWORDS

SS KEYSTORM, Great Lakes Shipwreck, St. Lawrence River Wreck, Howe Island Reef, Maritime Salvage, 20th Century Freighter, Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, Diving Site Alexandria Bay.