Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: R. Gaskin
• • Vessel Type: Lake Barge (Originally a Schooner)
• • Built: 1863, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 132 feet (40.2 m)
• • Final Resting Place: St. Lawrence River, near Brockville, Ontario, Canada
• • Coordinates: N44° 35.358’, W75° 40.625’
• • Depth: 60 feet (20 meters)

Vessel Type Description

Originally built as a Schooner, the R. Gaskin was later converted into a lake Barge. These versatile vessels were pivotal in the transportation of goods like lumber and grain across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Schooners-turned-barges like the Gaskin often extended their service lives by adapting to the changing needs of maritime commerce.

History

The R. Gaskin served as a working vessel for several decades, reflecting the vital role of schooners and barges in 19th-century Great Lakes trade. Its transition from Schooner to Barge highlighted the practical ingenuity of shipowners who sought to maximize the utility of aging vessels.

However, the Gaskin’s career ended in tragedy during a salvage operation in the St. Lawrence River. While attempting to recover the Steamer Armstrong, which had sunk near Brockville, the Gaskin Foundered under unclear circumstances. This ill-fated event marked the vessel’s transformation from a cargo carrier to a submerged relic of maritime history.

Final Resting Place

The wreck of the R. Gaskin lies at a depth of 60 feet (20 meters) in the St. Lawrence River near Brockville, Ontario. Its location is a popular dive site, providing an accessible yet historically rich experience for divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck remains remarkably intact, offering divers the opportunity to explore its wooden structure, which has been well-preserved in the cold, freshwater environment.
• Marine Life: The wreck supports a thriving underwater ecosystem, making it an appealing site for both historical exploration and ecological observation.
• Accessibility: The R. Gaskin’s depth and location make it a suitable dive site for intermediate to advanced divers. Visibility in the St. Lawrence River is typically good, though currents can vary.

External Links and References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of detailed information on shipwrecks, including the R. Gaskin.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS): Resources for preserving and exploring Ontario’s underwater heritage.
• Brockville Historical Society: Local archives and history about the R. Gaskin and other maritime events in the region.

Conclusion

The wreck of the R. Gaskin encapsulates the resilience and eventual fragility of the vessels that shaped Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce. From its days as a working Schooner to its final chapter as a salvage Barge, the Gaskin’s story reflects the evolution of maritime industries and the hazards of life on the water.

Today, the R. Gaskin is more than a wreck—it is a historical landmark beneath the waves, drawing divers, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its accessible location and rich history make it a must-visit site for those exploring the maritime heritage of Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Robert Gaskin (partial) by Christian Rémillard on Sketchfab

Gaskin Wreck (partial with errors) by GooseDiving on Sketchfab