The Three Masted Schooner Wreck in the St. Clair River, Sarnia, offers a challenging and rewarding diving experience for highly advanced divers. This historic shipwreck, lying at a depth of 65′ – 80′, is an intriguing site that carries the stories of the past, making it a must-visit destination for experienced wreck divers.
The Three Masted Schooner was an impressive vessel with a length of 220’2″, showcasing the majesty of its three masts. Today, the shipwreck rests peacefully on the riverbed, a reminder of its dramatic collision with the steel steambarge Yuma while avoiding the wreck of the vessel Fontana. The ship sank on September 12, 1900, with the tragic loss of four lives.
Exploring the Three Masted Schooner Wreck provides divers with a unique opportunity to witness maritime history frozen in time. The ship’s skeletal remains and structure are likely to be adorned with marine life, offering a mesmerizing sight to behold. The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting various fish species, making it an ideal spot for underwater photographers seeking captivating marine life shots.
The Three Masted Schooner’s large size and historical significance add to the allure of the dive, making it an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate maritime heritage and underwater exploration.
Access to the Three Masted Schooner Wreck is from the shore, allowing divers to embark on their adventure conveniently. However, it’s crucial to note that the dive site is suited only for highly advanced divers due to the challenging conditions it presents.
One of the primary cautions to be aware of is the very strong current that can be present in the St. Clair River. Divers must be proficient in handling strong currents and practice proper buoyancy control to ensure their safety during the dive. It is essential to closely monitor water conditions and plan dives accordingly.
Furthermore, the St. Clair River is a major waterway with significant boating traffic. Divers must exercise extreme caution and adhere to strict dive protocols to avoid any accidents involving surface vessels.
As a highly advanced dive site, the Three Masted Schooner Wreck requires divers to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about underwater navigation. The large size of the wreck and the potential limited visibility due to strong currents necessitate careful planning and excellent orientation skills to explore the site safely.
The Three Masted Schooner Wreck in the St. Clair River offers a challenging and rewarding experience for highly advanced divers. As an underwater time capsule of maritime history, this shipwreck carries an aura of mystery and intrigue, drawing in divers seeking to explore its rich past. While the site demands respect for its strong currents and boating traffic, the opportunity to delve into the history of this three-masted schooner makes it a memorable and worthwhile dive.
