- Boston Whaler
- 92 ffw
The St. Lawrence River, winding its way between Rockport, Ontario, and Alexandria Bay, New York, is not only known for its breathtaking beauty but also hides secrets beneath its depths. For those adventurous souls seeking the thrill of exploration, the river has long been a treasure trove of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. One such enigma recently came to light when Daniel Gildea, a member of Shotline Diving (SLD), set out with his friend Jay Paraino in search of a known wreck and stumbled upon what appears to be an old Boston Whaler, adding a fascinating layer to the region’s maritime history.
As seasoned divers and explorers, members of SLD are always on the lookout for rumored dive sites and hidden treasures beneath the river’s surface. It was during one such expedition in September 2023 that Dan and Jay made a remarkable discovery. While exploring the depths of the St. Lawrence River, they came across what seemed to be an old tri-hull pleasure boat, distinctive for its striking blue color.
What makes this discovery particularly intriguing is the condition in which the vessel was found. It appears that the pleasure boat had been purposely scuttled, loaded with items and its gauges removed. Despite the intentional damage, some registration numbers remained, hinting at the vessel’s history.
With a keen eye and a passion for preserving the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River, Daniel Gildea wasted no time. He carefully photographed and modeled the pleasure boat, capturing every detail of this unique find. These images not only serve as a record of the vessel but also provide a glimpse into the past, inviting us to imagine the story behind its scuttling.
The dedication of individuals like Daniel Gildea and organizations like SLD in combination with members of the community helps us to uncover hidden gems beneath the river’s surface. Within a week of the discovery, the images and models of the pleasure boat were made available to the public, sparking curiosity and speculation among divers, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
As we marvel at this unexpected find, questions naturally arise. Who owned this vessel? What events led to its scuttling in the depths of the St. Lawrence River? Could it be connected to the region’s rich maritime history, which includes tales of shipwrecks, smuggling, and adventurous journeys?
The St. Lawrence River continues to reveal its secrets, and the discovery of the tri-hull pleasure boat is just one more piece of the puzzle waiting to be solved. Thanks to the community members who provide the clues and places to look and the dedication and passion of explorers like Daniel Gildea, we can catch a glimpse of history preserved beneath the water’s surface. As we piece together the story behind this remarkable find, we are reminded that the river still holds many mysteries, waiting for the adventurous spirits willing to dive deeper and uncover the past.
