Updated Identification & Site Information

• Site Name: Bell’s Barrel

• Location: 100 meters northeast of the scuttled wreck of William Johnston, St. Lawrence River

• GPS Coordinates: Approximate, relative to the William Johnston wreck location

• Depth: Not specified; presumed similar to the nearby wreck’s depth

Updated Site Description

Bell’s Barrel is a large wooden barrel discovered accidentally by Mr. Bell, a scuba diver, during a dive to locate the wreck of the William Johnston. Both the barrel and the William Johnston had been intentionally scuttled in the 1940s, adding historical depth to the site. The barrel, a relic of earlier salvage operations, lies intact and serves as a unique dive feature, offering insights into mid-20th century maritime activities.

Updated History

In the 1940s, both the William Johnston and the salvage barrel were scuttled in the St. Lawrence River, likely as a deliberate effort to dispose of aging equipment or failed recovery projects. Decades later, Mr. Bell, a recreational scuba diver, stumbled upon the barrel during a dive targeting the William Johnston wreck. His discovery highlights the intertwined history of salvage operations and the scuttling practices common in the mid-20th century.

The barrel was likely part of salvage efforts to raise wrecks like the William Johnston, serving as buoyancy equipment. Its abandonment and scuttling alongside the wreck reflect the conclusion of those efforts and the historical footprint left behind.

Updated Dive Conditions

• Visibility: 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.5 metres), depending on weather, silt, and algae levels.

• Temperature: Seasonal, ranging from 40°F (4°C) in spring to 70°F (21°C) in late summer, with a thermocline at depth.

• Current: The St. Lawrence River features strong currents, requiring divers to be prepared for drift diving.

Updated Points of Interest

1. Bell’s Barrel: This artifact remains intact and provides a tangible connection to historical salvage operations. Divers can observe its robust construction and consider its role in efforts to raise scuttled vessels.

2. The Wreck of William Johnston: Located nearby, the wreck adds significant value to the site, allowing divers to explore the vessel that the barrel was once intended to help recover.

Conservation & Responsibility

Both Bell’s Barrel and the William Johnston wreck are historically significant and should be respected. Divers should avoid touching or disturbing these sites to preserve them for future generations. The artifacts stand as reminders of the ingenuity and challenges of mid-20th century salvage operations and maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords

Bell’s Barrel, William Johnston, St. Lawrence River, Salvage Operations, Scuttled Wrecks, Wooden Barrel, Maritime History, Dive Site, Mid-20th Century Shipwrecks

Updated Analysis

Bell’s Barrel and the William Johnston wreck together form a compelling dive site that merges mid-20th century maritime history with recreational exploration. The barrel, a relic of salvage operations, and the scuttled wreck it was intended to recover create a unique narrative about the challenges and practices of the era. Mr. Bell’s accidental discovery highlights the continued allure of underwater archaeology and the preservation of maritime heritage in the St. Lawrence River. While strong currents and cold water make the site challenging, it offers rich rewards for divers interested in history and maritime engineering.