Airboat

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
This airboat, sometimes called an ice boat in the context of its operations in frozen conditions, was uniquely designed for use on ice-covered waterways and shallow waters. Airboats typically feature a flat-bottom hull and are propelled by a large fan or propeller driven by an engine mounted above the deck. This specific vessel measured 20.5 feet (6.2 meters) in length, a typical size for such crafts, which allowed it to glide over both ice and water surfaces. Constructed with lightweight materials to minimize drag, the airboat was ideal for navigating harsh winter conditions in regions like the St. Lawrence River.

HISTORY
The history of the airboat found near Yeo Island remains largely a mystery. Airboats were commonly used in regions like the St. Lawrence River during the early to mid-20th century, particularly for transportation across ice, search and rescue missions, and recreational activities during the winter months. The discovery of this particular vessel adds a new layer to the understanding of the various types of watercraft that once operated in this region. The exact circumstances of the airboat’s final voyage and its sinking are unknown, but the vessel’s preservation at such a depth suggests it may have been lost during one of the many harsh winter seasons experienced in the area.

FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck of the airboat was confirmed by side scan sonar at a depth of 99 feet (30.2 meters) on August 9, 2023. The scan revealed the typical flat-bottomed hull of an airboat, though further investigation is required to uncover more details about the vessel’s history, the conditions of its sinking, and its operational role in the region. The cold, fresh waters of the St. Lawrence River have likely contributed to the preservation of the wreck, which remains a point of interest for divers and maritime historians alike.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to this wreck site. However, divers are advised to exercise caution when exploring the site due to the depth and potential underwater currents in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE
The airboat wreck was located by members of  (SLD) during a sonar survey on August 9, 2023. The precise coordinates were recorded as 44°22′ 701″N 75°54′.875″W.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Thousand Islands Life – Shipwrecks
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion
The discovery of the airboat near Yeo Island provides an intriguing glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of maritime history on the St. Lawrence River. While much about the vessel remains unknown, its confirmation by modern technology adds to the rich tapestry of shipwrecks and submerged artifacts in the region. Further exploration and research may reveal more about the airboat’s history, its operations in the area, and the circumstances leading to its sinking.

Keywords
airboat, ice boat, St. Lawrence River, Yeo Island, Rockport Ontario, shipwreck, Great Lakes history, side scan sonar, diving site, maritime history, freshwater wreck, Shotline Diving, maritime discovery