Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Unidentified Hull (Palisade’s Wreck)

• Type: Presumed Shipwreck (exact vessel type unknown)

• Location: Palisades Wreck, US side of the St. Lawrence River, near Clayton, NY

• Date of Incident: Not specified

• GPS Coordinates: Not available

• Depth: Within typical recreational diving range

Vessel Type Description

The Unidentified Hull at Palisade’s Wreck is presumed to be the remains of a wooden vessel, potentially a Schooner, Barge, or similar type of ship commonly used on the St. Lawrence River. Wooden vessels were the backbone of Great Lakes and river transport during the 19th and early 20th centuries, used for cargo, fishing, and passenger transport. The wreck’s advanced state of deterioration has made identifying its type or origin difficult.

History

The history of this vessel is shrouded in mystery due to a lack of identifying features or records tied to its sinking. Its presence in the St. Lawrence River suggests it was part of the region’s robust maritime activity. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the river served as a critical conduit for goods and people, linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Possible historical contexts include:

• Commercial Use: The vessel may have transported goods such as lumber, grain, or coal along the river.

• Fishing Operations: Fishing was a significant industry in the region, and the vessel could have been part of that economy.

• Passenger Services: It could also have been a small Ferry or passenger vessel.

The vessel’s sinking could have been caused by common maritime hazards, including collisions, grounding, or severe weather.

Final Disposition

The Unidentified Hull was discovered at a site referred to as Palisade’s Wreck, near Clayton, NY. Its sinking remains unexplained. Given the strong currents and navigational challenges of the St. Lawrence River, it is possible that the vessel succumbed to one of these conditions. The wreck lies on the riverbed and serves as a silent reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating this waterway.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck. The region is well-charted, but mariners should always exercise caution near known underwater hazards. The site’s exact location remains undocumented, though it is a known dive site in the area.

Located By & Date

The Unidentified Hull was likely reported by local divers or maritime historians. The date of its discovery is unclear, but the wreck has become a notable point of interest due to its historical and exploratory potential.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is believed to be a heavily deteriorated wooden structure, typical of submerged vessels from its era. Key characteristics of its condition include:

• State of Preservation: Likely fragmented, with structural elements eroded or buried in sediment.

• Visibility: May vary due to river conditions, including currents and seasonal changes.

• Diving Considerations: Strong currents in the St. Lawrence River make diving challenging and require advanced skills. Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the wreck or silt.

Resources & Links

1. Thousand Islands Museum, Clayton, NY:

Offers insights into regional maritime history and could provide leads on similar wrecks.

https://www.timuseum.org

2. St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation:

Provides context and archival materials about shipwrecks and maritime activity in the region.

3. WreckSite Database:

A global registry of shipwrecks, which may eventually include detailed records on this wreck.

https://www.wrecksite.eu

4. Local Diving Clubs and Historical Societies:

These groups may have dive logs, photos, and firsthand accounts of the wreck.

Photos

Currently, no known photographs of the wreck are publicly available. However, images may exist within local diving archives or underwater archaeology studies. Interested parties should contact regional diving organizations or historical societies for potential access.

Conclusion

The Unidentified Hull at Palisade’s Wreck offers a unique glimpse into the maritime past of the St. Lawrence River. Its origins, use, and demise remain speculative, inviting further exploration and study. As a potential artifact of the region’s rich nautical history, the wreck holds value not only for divers and historians but also for the broader understanding of commerce and navigation on this critical waterway.

Tags

#PalisadesWreck #StLawrenceRiver #UnidentifiedHull #ClaytonNY #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #HistoricalShipwrecks #UnderwaterExploration #WoodenShipwrecks