Unidentified Daggerboard Schooner

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

	Vessel Name: Unidentified Daggerboard Vessel Type: Daggerboard Sailboat Location: St. Lawrence River, near Alexandria Bay, New York, USA Coordinates: N44° 22’52.12″ W75° 53’23.14″ Date of Confirmation: August 4, 2009 Depth: 74 feet (22.6 meters) Dimensions: Approximately 78 feet (23.8 meters) long by 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide (deteriorated and mostly buried, making precise measurements difficult)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Unidentified Daggerboard is a type of sailboat equipped with a retractable keel, known as a daggerboard. This design allows the vessel to maintain stability while operating in both shallow and deep waters, making it ideal for the varying conditions of the St. Lawrence River. Daggerboard sailboats were commonly used for a variety of purposes, including leisure, fishing, and small-scale transport. The vessel’s advanced state of deterioration and partial burial complicate its identification, but it is likely a mid-20th-century craft, reflecting the versatile maritime activities of the area.

HISTORY
The Unidentified Daggerboard was first brought to attention by local mariner Jay Paraino, who discovered the wreck. Following this, divers Tim Caza and James Anastasia conducted a verification dive to confirm the vessel’s type and examine its contents. Their efforts identified the wreck as a daggerboard sailboat, although no identifiable markings or features were found to provide further historical context. The vessel’s history remains largely unknown, but it was likely involved in the everyday maritime activities common in the St. Lawrence River region during its time.

FINAL DISPOSITION
The Unidentified Daggerboard was initially discovered before August 4, 2009, near Alexandria Bay. The wreck, found at a depth of 74 feet (22.6 meters), is significantly deteriorated and partially buried in the riverbed. The circumstances of its sinking remain a mystery, as do details about its origin and purpose. The site is not widely publicized, preserving it for further study by underwater archaeologists and protecting it from unauthorized exploration.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. However, as with all unidentified wrecks, mariners should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards, particularly in areas with historical wrecks.

LOCATED BY & DATE
The Daggerboard was first discovered by Jay Paraino, with verification dives conducted by Tim Caza and James Anastasia on August 4, 2009. A return visit to the site on August 1, 2022, allowed for the creation of a 3D image, The location was confirmed by Shotline Diving (SLD)Dan Gildea in 2023 and again 2024.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The condition of the Unidentified Daggerboard is poor, with significant deterioration and partial burial in the riverbed. The wooden structure has decayed over time, making it difficult to identify specific features. Despite this, the wreck is accessible to divers, particularly those interested in historical wrecks and underwater archaeology. The depth of 74 feet (22.6 meters) makes it suitable for recreational diving, but care should be taken to preserve what remains of the wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Thousand Islands Museum, Clayton, NY: May have additional information or leads on shipwrecks in the area, including unidentified daggerboards.
• St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation: Provides historical context and information about shipwrecks and other points of interest in the river.
• WreckSite: An online database of shipwrecks that might eventually include more detailed information on the Unidentified Daggerboard.
• Sonarguy – St. Lawrence Scow 2
• Sketchfab – Dagger Board Scow, Saint Lawrence River
• Wikipedia – Daggerboard: Provides general information on daggerboards and their use in sailing vessels.

CONCLUSION
The Unidentified Daggerboard wreck near Alexandria Bay in the St. Lawrence River stands as a fascinating relic of the region’s maritime history, though much about its origins and final voyage remains shrouded in mystery. Originally discovered by local mariner Jay Paraino, the wreck was later verified by divers Tim Caza and James Anastasia, who confirmed the vessel type and examined its contents. Their efforts provided essential insights into the wreck, revealing it to be a daggerboard sailboat—a type of vessel known for its retractable keel, which allowed it to navigate both shallow and deeper waters with ease.

The daggerboard’s presence in the St. Lawrence River, a vital waterway historically frequented by various types of vessels, underscores the adaptability and versatility that made these boats popular in the mid-20th century. Despite its current deteriorated state and partial burial, the wreck continues to offer clues about the types of recreational and working boats that once plied these waters.

This site, while accessible to experienced divers, demands a respectful approach to preserve its remaining structure and to honor the historical significance it represents. As more research and exploration are conducted, the wreck may yet yield further information, helping to piece together its story and offering a deeper understanding of the maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River.

KEYWORDS
Unidentified daggerboard, St. Lawrence River wreck, 2009 shipwreck discovery, underwater archaeology, Alexandria Bay diving, maritime mystery, daggerboard sailboat wreck, deteriorated wreck, wooden shipwreck, historical diving site.