Wreck Report: Three-Masted Schooner Wreck

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Unnamed Three-Masted Schooner

•Vessel Type: Wooden Three-Masted Schooner

•Location: St. Clair River, near Sarnia, Ontario

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Date of Sinking: September 12, 1900

•Depth: 65–80 feet (20–24 meters)

•Accessibility: Shore access; advanced dive site

Vessel Type Description

This 220-foot (67-meter) wooden Schooner, equipped with three masts, was a majestic vessel designed for carrying large cargoes across the Great Lakes. These schooners were known for their impressive sails and efficient handling, capable of navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes while transporting bulk materials like grain, coal, and lumber.

History

The Schooner met its end on September 12, 1900, following a collision with the steel steambarge Yuma while attempting to avoid the wreck of the Fontana. The accident resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, marking a somber chapter in the vessel’s history. The Schooner’s sinking added to the numerous maritime tragedies that have occurred in the St. Clair River, a major waterway for Great Lakes commerce.

The wreck’s location, now at a depth of 65 to 80 feet, makes it both a historical relic and an Artificial Reef, supporting diverse marine life.

Final Disposition

The wreck rests on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of the St. Clair River, its skeletal remains offering a glimpse into maritime history. While the wooden structure has deteriorated over time, much of the vessel’s large framework remains visible, providing divers with a unique underwater exploration experience.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Strong Currents: The St. Clair River is known for its very strong current, which makes the site suitable only for highly advanced divers. Proficiency in current diving and buoyancy control is essential.

•Boating Traffic: As a busy waterway, the St. Clair River presents additional risks due to heavy boat traffic. Divers must use surface markers and adhere to safety protocols to avoid collisions.

•Limited Visibility: Strong currents can stir up sediment, reducing Visibility at the site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The wreck is largely intact but has weathered over time. The wooden framework and skeletal remains of the Schooner create a fascinating underwater scene, now home to various marine life.

•Accessibility: Accessible from shore, the site is convenient for divers but requires advanced skills to navigate the strong currents and ensure safe exploration.

•Marine Life: The wreck functions as an Artificial Reef, attracting a variety of fish species and other aquatic organisms, making it an excellent location for underwater photography.

Diving Suitability

•Skill Level: Highly advanced divers only

•Key Challenges:

•Strong currents in the St. Clair River

•Heavy boating traffic

•Potential for limited Visibility

•Equipment Recommendations:

•Surface marker buoy (SMB)

•Navigation tools (compass or dive computer with navigation features)

•Current-handling gear (e.g., reef hooks or gloves)

Tags

•St. Clair River Wrecks

•Three-Masted Schooner

•Advanced Dive Site

•Strong Currents

•Maritime History

•Artificial Reef

Conclusion

The Three-Masted Schooner Wreck in the St. Clair River is a compelling dive destination that challenges even the most experienced wreck divers. Its historical significance, combined with the awe-inspiring sight of its large wooden framework and the diverse marine life it supports, makes it a rewarding experience for those who meet its demanding conditions. While caution is paramount due to strong currents and boating traffic, the opportunity to explore this underwater time capsule is an unforgettable journey into the Great Lakes’ maritime past.