AMERICA U205673 Dredge Service Vessel

The America was a steam screw vessel built in 1908 in Buffalo, New York, primarily serving in dredge operations. With a robust design and significant tonnage, it played a critical role in maintaining and expanding navigable waterways. However, its service came to a tragic end on July 29, 1932, when it caught fire and sank near Dark Island Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, resulting in the loss of seven lives. This article delves into the history of the America, the events leading to its sinking, and the current state of the wreck as a dive site.

Construction and Service #

The America was constructed by skilled shipbuilders in Buffalo, New York, in 1908. The vessel was designed as a dredge service vessel, a type essential for maintaining the waterways of the Great Lakes and surrounding rivers. With a gross tonnage of 297 tons and a net tonnage of 259 tons, the America was a substantial vessel, measuring 134.2 feet in length, 32.0 feet in beam, and with a depth of 7.6 feet. Powered by a 160 indicated horsepower engine, the America was well-equipped for its dredging duties, removing sediment and debris to ensure safe passage for other vessels.

Registered in Erie, Pennsylvania, the America was owned by the Huffman Construction Company. The vessel had a crew of eight and was instrumental in various dredging projects in the region, contributing to the economic development and navigability of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

The Tragic Incident #

On July 29, 1932, the America was navigating the St. Lawrence River near Dark Island Shoal when disaster struck. The vessel caught fire while carrying 15 people, and despite the crew’s efforts to control the blaze, the situation quickly escalated. The fire spread rapidly through the wooden structure of the vessel, leaving little time for those on board to escape. Tragically, seven people lost their lives in the incident.

The America ultimately sank near Dark Island Shoal, with the vessel coming to rest upside down on the riverbed at a depth of approximately 70 feet. The fire and subsequent sinking marked a devastating end to the vessel’s service, and the incident remains a somber chapter in the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River.

The Wreck Today #

The wreck of the America is now a popular dive site, lying at a depth of 70 to 75 feet off the side of Dark Island Shoal near Singer Castle. The site offers a unique and challenging dive, with the wreck lying upside down, its bow positioned upstream at a depth of 50 feet. Divers can explore the deck area, where various pieces of equipment, including winches and twin propellers, can still be seen. The stern of the vessel features four large support legs, which were used during drilling operations, providing a glimpse into the vessel’s working past.

The wreck is surrounded by a bottom composition of rock, silt, and sand, with blasted rock visible between the wreck and the shoal, likely remnants from the drilling activities. The propellers are located at depths of 50 to 55 feet, while the bottom of the wreck lies at around 72 feet.

Diving Conditions and Safety #

Diving the America is recommended only for experienced divers due to the site’s location in the downstream lane of the main shipping channel. The current in the area typically ranges from 1 to 2 knots, but it can vary depending on river conditions. Divers are advised to use the access rope to safely return to the surface and to be cautious of incoming shipping traffic.

The wreck offers a fascinating dive for those interested in maritime history and underwater exploration, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the 1932 tragedy.

Historical Significance and Legacy #

The America played a vital role in the development and maintenance of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, serving as a dredge service vessel that helped ensure the safety and efficiency of these critical waterways. The vessel’s sudden and tragic end highlights the dangers faced by those who worked on the water during this era, where fire and other hazards were constant threats.

Today, the America rests beneath the waters of the St. Lawrence River, its story preserved not only in historical records but also in the memories of those who explore its remains. The wreck continues to captivate divers and historians alike, offering a window into the past and a lasting tribute to those who perished in the fire.

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YouTube video CC Dan Gildea

References and Links #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers detailed records and accounts of vessels like the America.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File Provides documentation of the America‘s loss and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Dedicated to preserving the history and memory of shipwrecks in the region.
• Bowling Green State University: Holds archives and resources related to Great Lakes maritime history.
• Discover New York State: Offers insights into the maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas.
• Warren Lo Photography
• Wrecks and Reefs
• YouTube Video
• SonarGuy Photo Gallery