Unidentified Hull – Guindon Park Wreck

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Type of Wreck: Unidentified Wreck Location: Old Canal, near Guindon Park, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada Depth of Wreck: 14 meters (46 feet) Date of Discovery: [Specific date not provided, recent discovery]

SITE DESCRIPTION: #

In the old canal west of Guindon Park, Cornwall, Ontario, divers Steve Blanchard and Roger Lacasse embarked on an exploration that led to a thrilling discovery. As they descended to a depth of 14 meters, the underwater landscape revealed an enigmatic wreck lying in the sandy floor of the canal. The silhouette of this submerged vessel captivated the divers, its contours suggesting a history waiting to be uncovered.

Upon closer inspection, Blanchard and Lacasse speculated that this wreck could be the bow section of the Barge CORNWALL, a vessel with a significant history in the region. The discovery sparked excitement among the diving community, as identifying the wreck could provide valuable insights into the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River and the role of the Barge CORNWALL in it.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT: #

The wreck’s identity as potentially the Barge CORNWALL suggests it may have been part of the bustling trade and transportation network before the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Many vessels were abandoned, lost, or scuttled during the transformation of the region into a modern waterway.

If this wreck is indeed the Barge CORNWALL, further exploration could reveal how the vessel met its end. Was it scuttled intentionally, did it succumb to an accident, or was it simply abandoned as the region’s industrial landscape evolved? These questions remain open for further investigation.

DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE: #

The site is relatively accessible for experienced divers, lying at a depth of 14 meters. The wreck provides an intriguing target for underwater exploration, particularly for those interested in shipwrecks and maritime history. The tranquil currents of the canal make for a serene dive, where the wreck’s contours can be examined in detail. Divers should be cautious, as the site may still be undergoing further study to confirm the identity of the wreck.

ANALYSIS: #

The potential identification of the wreck as the Barge CORNWALL is significant, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. The discovery by Steve Blanchard and Roger Lacasse adds to the rich tapestry of underwater heritage in the St. Lawrence River. Their work underscores the importance of ongoing exploration and documentation of submerged historical sites.

Further investigation and possibly excavation could confirm the wreck’s identity, adding another chapter to the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the vessels that once plied its waters.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Organization focused on preserving Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.
Cornwall Dive Sites Guide: Detailed information on dive sites in and around Cornwall, Ontario.
St. Lawrence Seaway Historical Resources: Information on the history and impact of the St. Lawrence Seaway.