Unidentified Hull – Kibbets Wreck

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3D Model	Site Stats
Kibbett’s Wreck by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab	1900’s Steam Launch 55ffw 21m Depth 22 ft 6.1 m Length Alexandria Bay St. Lawrence River

Deep beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, New York, lies a silent witness to the past: the Kibbets wreck. Discovered at a depth of approximately 55 feet (16.8 meters), this submerged relic offers a tantalizing glimpse into maritime history, thanks to the efforts of dedicated divers and enthusiasts like Bob Sherwood.

The name “Kibbets” is steeped in the lore of discovery, attributed to the diver who first stumbled upon its remains. Paired with the expertise of Shotline’s Bob Sherwood, this discovery has sparked curiosity and intrigue among historians and adventurers alike.

The dimensions of the Kibbets wreck measure approximately 22.1 feet (6.7 meters) in length, hinting at its former glory as a vessel of considerable size. With a frame suggestive of a small engine, it is plausible that this sunken treasure once navigated the waters as a steam launch, a common sight in the early 1900s.

Imagine, if you will, the bustling activity of the St. Lawrence River during the turn of the century. Steam launches, with their distinctive profiles and billowing smoke, were the lifeblood of transportation and commerce along these waterways. From ferrying passengers to transporting goods, these vessels played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic landscape.

A typical steam launch of the era would boast a sleek wooden hull, propelled by a compact yet powerful steam engine. These vessels were marvels of engineering, blending elegance with functionality to navigate the sometimes treacherous currents of the St. Lawrence River.

But what fate befell the Kibbets wreck, consigning it to its watery grave? Was it a victim of nature’s wrath, succumbing to the whims of stormy seas? Or perhaps it met a more ignominious end, relegated to obscurity after serving its purpose on the river?

As divers descend into the murky depths to explore the Kibbets wreck, they are met with a scene frozen in time. Amidst the silt and sediment, artifacts and remnants offer tantalizing clues about its past. Rusting metalwork, fragments of machinery, and decaying timber whisper tales of bygone days, waiting to be deciphered by those bold enough to venture into the abyss.

Each dive to the Kibbets wreck is a journey into history, a chance to unearth secrets long submerged beneath the surface. With each discovery, we inch closer to unraveling the enigma of this forgotten relic and paying homage to the maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River.

So, as the currents of time continue to flow, let us not forget the silent sentinels that lie beneath the waves, guardians of a bygone era waiting to share their stories with those willing to listen. The Kibbets wreck stands as a testament to the enduring allure of exploration and the timeless allure of the sea.