EASTCLIFFE HALL C195604

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

SITE DESCRIPTION: #

The wreck of the EASTCLIFFE HALL lies submerged on Chrysler Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, marking the site of one of the most tragic maritime accidents in the region. The freighter, which was a steel-hulled propeller bulk freighter, now rests in approximately 65 feet of water, making it accessible to divers exploring the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION: #

The EASTCLIFFE HALL was constructed in Montreal, Quebec, in 1954. It had a gross tonnage of 3,335 and measured 343.33 feet in length, 43.66 feet in beam, and 22.66 feet in depth. The freighter was designed to transport bulk cargo and was involved in the trade of commodities such as pig iron, which it was carrying at the time of its sinking.

HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT: #

On 14 July 1970, the EASTCLIFFE HALL was navigating the St. Lawrence River, carrying 4,000 tons of pig iron. Due to a navigational error, the vessel strayed approximately 100 feet off course and out of the designated channel, grounding on a rock formation. About 40 minutes later, it struck another rock, causing catastrophic damage to the hull and leading to its sinking within three minutes.

The captain of the ship, Albert Groulx, was found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident, as revealed by a blood alcohol analysis. The court determined that his state of intoxication was the primary cause of the grounding, collision, and eventual sinking of the ship.

The tragedy claimed the lives of nine individuals, including Captain Albert Groulx, his son Alain Groulx, Chief Engineer William Demers, his wife Jacqueline Demers, their daughter Natalie Demers, and four crew members. Survivors recounted the harrowing experience, with first mate Julien Marchand and other crew members rescued by Provincial Police Officers after clinging to floating debris.

The EASTCLIFFE HALL was the first significant shipwreck in that part of the St. Lawrence Seaway system. The incident led to a joint investigation by the Board of Transport Commissioners and the U.S. Coast Guard. The ship’s quick submersion left only its masts and rigging visible above the waterline.

DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE: #

The EASTCLIFFE HALL wreck is a well-known dive site, offering an intriguing exploration opportunity for divers. The wreck lies at a depth of 65 feet, making it accessible for divers with intermediate to advanced experience. The site provides a poignant reminder of the tragic accident and serves as an underwater memorial to those who lost their lives. Divers can explore the remains of the freighter, with the wreckage providing insight into the ship’s construction and the events leading up to its sinking.

ANALYSIS: #

The sinking of the EASTCLIFFE HALL was a preventable tragedy, underscoring the importance of navigational accuracy and the dire consequences of impaired judgment while operating a vessel. The incident not only resulted in significant loss of life but also raised questions about the safety practices within the Hall Corporation of Canada, as it was the fourth vessel owned by the company to sink within a span of six years.

The wreck remains a significant site for historical study and underwater exploration, offering both a somber reflection on the perils of maritime navigation and a tangible connection to the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Detailed information on the preservation and study of Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Resources on the history and details of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
• Cornwall Dive Sites Guide: Information on diving locations around Cornwall, Ontario, including the EASTCLIFFE HALL wreck.EASTCLIFFE HALL, Chrysler Shoal, St. Lawrence River, Shipwreck, Freighter, Navigational Error, Hall Corporation of Canada, Maritime Tragedy, Ontario Dive Sites.