- Drill Barge
- 75ffw 21m
- 92ft Length
- Singer Castle NY, St. Lawrence River
- N 44 27.100 W 75 48.600
Sunk: June 20, 1932
The steam screw America, with a U.S. identification number of 205673, had a gross tonnage of 297 tons. It was built in 1908 in Buffalo, New York. Tragically, on July 29, 1932, the vessel caught fire at Dark Island Shoal in the St. Lawrence River while carrying 15 people. Unfortunately, seven lives were lost in the incident.
According to the Merchant Vessel List, U.S. 1931, the America was a dredge service vessel with a crew of eight. It had a net tonnage of 259 tons and measured 134.2 feet in length, 32.0 feet in beam, and 7.6 feet in depth. The vessel was powered by 160 indicated horsepower. It was registered in Erie, Pennsylvania and owned by the Huffman Construction Company.
Currently, the wreck of the America lies upside down at a depth of 70 feet off the side of the shoal near Dark Island. Divers can access the wreck by dropping over the edge of the shoal, following a bearing towards the castle, and observing the support legs extending over its profile. The bow of the vessel is located upstream at a depth of 50 feet, while descending to the deck reveals equipment, winches, twin props, and a surprisingly small rudder. The stern features four large support legs that were used during drilling operations, as well as blasted rock on the bottom between the wreck and the shoal. The props are situated at depths of 50 to 55 feet, while the bottom consists of a mix of rock, silt, and sand at 72 feet.
Divers should exercise caution and use the access rope to return to the surface, being mindful of incoming shipping traffic. It is important to note that this site is not recommended for novice divers due to its location in the downstream lane of the main shipping channel. The current in the area typically ranges from 1 to 2 knots but can vary depending on river conditions.
