Breakwater Park Dive Site

SITE DESCRIPTION: Breakwater Park Dive Site #

LOCATION #

• Area: Gord Downie Pier, East Side of Kingston, Ontario
• Water Depth: Varies from 15 feet (4.6 meters) near the pier to 60 feet (18.3 meters) further out.

ENTRY/EXIT POINT #

Your entry and exit point at the Wharf will depend on how far you are willing to walk to reach the water. There is a well-marked path, identified by a thin orange line running parallel to the shore, that leads divers to a depth of around 40 feet (12.2 meters). This path will take you to the first of three small wrecks.

WRECK EXPLORATION #

1. First Wreck:

   • Depth: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
   • Description: The first wreck can be reached by following the orange line from the entry point. It is the initial point of interest in this underwater exploration.
   • Condition: The wreck is a wooden structure, partially submerged in the lakebed.

2. Second Wreck:

   • Depth: Approximately 40 feet (12.2 meters)
   • Description: After exploring the first wreck, turn 90 degrees and swim a few kicks to reach the second wooden hull. This wreck continues the line of exploration and is similar in structure to the first.

3. Third Wreck:

   • Depth: Same depth as the first two (around 40 feet or 12.2 meters)
   • Description: Continuing along the line of the second wreck will eventually lead you to a third wreck, another wooden hull, completing the trio of small wrecks in this area.

ADDITIONAL POINTS OF INTEREST #

• Old Wooden Dock:

  • Depth: 15 feet (4.6 meters)
  • Description: If you return to the pier and swim back towards shore, you will encounter the remains of an old wooden dock. This structure provides a glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

• Small Wooden Structure:

  • Location: At the end of the channel in 15 feet (4.6 meters) of water.
  • Description: A small wooden structure marks the end of the nearshore exploration.

• Fourth Wreck (Optional):

  • Depth: 60 feet (18.3 meters)
  • Description: About 100 meters from the small wooden structure, there is another wreck, but this one is more challenging to locate. The visibility in the area can be poor, making this wreck easy to miss during a long swim.

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES #

• The area is strewn with various modern-day debris, including pipes, logs, and other trash, which divers should be mindful of during exploration. These objects may obscure parts of the wrecks or present minor hazards.

HMS St. Lawrence (West Side) #

While this guide focuses on the East Side, the West Side of the Mortons Wharf Area includes the historical wreck of HMS St. Lawrence, which is a separate and significant site, known for its impressive remains.

SAFETY & CONDITIONS #

Divers should be aware that the visibility can vary greatly depending on weather conditions and time of year. Additionally, the area contains debris that could pose potential hazards, so caution is advised when swimming near the wrecks and other submerged structures. Due to the depth of the fourth wreck, it is recommended only for experienced divers familiar with the site.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

1. NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

   • Information on various shipwrecks and underwater sites.
   • NOAA Thunder Bay

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

   • Database with extensive information on shipwrecks and maritime history in the Great Lakes.
   • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

3. Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS)

   • A resource for information and guidelines on preserving and exploring shipwrecks in Ontario.
   • Save Ontario Shipwrecks