3D Model
3d Model CC Dan Gildea 2024
- Steam Yacht
- 40ffw 13m
- Eagle Wing Shoal, St. Lawrence River
- 44° 14.955′ N 76° 6.240′ W
Site Description
Just north of channel marker 226 and downstream of the first large rock making up part of the Eagle Wing Group the Grand View Steamer lies on a 45 degree angle from the shoal down to a silty bottom. The easiest way to access the site is to dive at the Underwater Natural Features buoy and follow the shoal around to the North for about 100′. As you come around the downstream end of the shoal the wreck will come into view starting with the stern section in approximately 15′ of water. From the stern you can follow the wreck down to the bow along the starboard side of the wreck until the remaining bow section is visible sticking out of the silt. Moving back up the port side of the vessel you can see the internal structure of the wreck that remains along with some modern anchors that were lost by recent fishermen. At the stern section there is a plywood placard with the name of the wreck and year.
History
The Steam Yacht Grand View met its unfortunate fate in 1901 when it sunk near the Eagle Wing Shoal, located in front of Clayton, New York. The wreck that remains today is what’s left of a steam launch from the turn of the century, measuring around 40 feet in length. The wreck is situated near the head of Governors Island within the Eagle Wing Group, well outside the designated navigation channel. During salvage operations following the accident, the boat was recovered, and both its motor and propeller were removed.
Owned and operated by John A. Cook, the Grand View served as a steam launch primarily used for transporting passengers. Its main purpose was to ferry passengers from the Clayton Train Station to various hotels and destinations within the Thousand Islands region. Among the notable stops made by the Grand View was Grand View Park on Wellesley Island. The steam launch played a crucial role in facilitating travel and providing a scenic experience for passengers exploring the stunning Thousand Islands area.
While the sinking of the Grand View marked the end of its operational life, the wreck now serves as a historical reminder of the steam launch’s role in transportation and leisure activities during that era.
