MARINIER, OAKBAY, HENRY C. DARYAW C150837

Identification and Site Information #

Vessel Description #

The HENRY C. DARYAW was a steel-hulled freighter, robust in construction, with a lengthy service life under multiple names and ownerships. Originally built in France in 1919, it was designed for heavy-duty transport of goods across waterways.

History #

The ship’s history traces back to its construction as MARINIER in 1919 at the Chantier de Normandie shipyard in Grand Quevilly, France. Initially serving in European waters, the vessel was brought to Canada by Tree Line Navigation and renamed OAKBAY. In 1935, Henry C. Daryaw of Kingston, Ontario, purchased the freighter, which was then renamed after him.

The HENRY C. DARYAW served faithfully in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, transporting cargoes between Canadian ports. By the time of its sinking, it had been requisitioned by the British Ministry of Shipping to aid in wartime logistics. On November 21, 1941, while carrying 1,200 tons of coal en route from Sodus, New York to Dalhousie, New Brunswick, it encountered heavy fog. The vessel struck Buoy Shoal #21 near Brockville, Ontario, in the St. Lawrence River. The severe impact led to its rapid sinking, with the bow remaining above water for a short time before submerging.

Final Dispositions #

Out of the 19 crew members, 18 managed to escape by using a lifeboat and reaching shore safely. Tragically, one fireman, Robert Groteau, was believed to have been trapped in the boiler room and perished. Despite recovery efforts, Groteau’s body was not found immediately. The captain, Hyacinth LaTraverse, had only been in command for two weeks when the disaster occurred.

Located By & Date #

The wreck of the HENRY C. DARYAW has been a known site for divers for several decades, located just west of Brockville, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence River.

Wreck Location and Diving #

The shipwreck lies upside down on the riverbed, resting at a depth of 80 feet. Divers have noted significant damage on the starboard side, where a gash runs across a third of the hull. The location at Buoy Shoal #21 has made the site a popular dive attraction. The wreck has been moored by Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) and offers divers an opportunity to explore the remains of the freighter. The underwater visibility in this region can vary but tends to be favorable for exploration  .

Notmars & Advisories #

The wreck is located near the Brockville Narrows and is marked by Buoy Shoal #21, with Save Ontario Shipwrecks managing moorings for safe diving access. Obstructions in the area include the wreck itself and potential entanglement hazards for inexperienced divers. Canadian Coast Guard warnings and advisories should be followed for the safety of vessels navigating the area, and visibility conditions may vary depending on weather and water levels .

Resources & Links #

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Brockville Historical Society

Conclusion #

The wreck of the HENRY C. DARYAW stands as a significant historical site in the St. Lawrence River. Once a powerful freighter, its sudden demise in 1941 serves as a reminder of the perils faced by ships navigating these waters. Today, it is a well-preserved dive site, offering both recreational divers and maritime historians a glimpse into the past. The site continues to captivate those with an interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks and the region’s rich maritime history.