IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
HMS St Lawrence was a first-rate ship of the line, an impressive naval vessel designed for warfare. Built during the War of 1812, it was the largest and most powerful warship on Lake Ontario, equipped with 112 guns spread across three flush decks. The ship measured 191 feet 2 inches in length on the gundeck and had a beam of 52 feet 6 inches. Its construction was a remarkable feat, completed in under 10 months by master shipbuilder John Dennis and a team of 200 shipwrights.
HISTORY
The construction of HMS St Lawrence began on April 12, 1814, at the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard in Kingston, Upper Canada. The ship was launched on September 10, 1814, and commissioned under the command of Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo, with Captain Frederick Hickey serving as Flag Captain. The St Lawrence was intended to secure British control of Lake Ontario, a critical supply route during the War of 1812.
Despite its formidable firepower and size, HMS St Lawrence never saw action. Its presence on the lake effectively deterred the U.S. fleet from engaging in combat, securing British naval dominance in the final months of the war. After the war ended in 1815, the ship was decommissioned and remained in storage for several years.
In January 1832, the hull of HMS St Lawrence was sold to Robert Drummond for £25. It was towed out of Navy Bay between May and August of that year and was repurposed as a storage facility at Morton’s Brewery in Kingston. Eventually, the ship was intentionally sunk in shallow waters near Kingston, where it remains today as a popular diving attraction.
FINAL DISPOSITION
HMS St Lawrence was intentionally scuttled in approximately 30 feet of water near the shore at the coordinates provided. The ship’s remains are located close to Kingston, Ontario, making it one of the most accessible and historically significant shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. The wreck is largely intact, preserved by the cold freshwater, and serves as a popular site for divers and maritime historians.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to the wreck of HMS St Lawrence, but divers should be aware of the general hazards associated with exploring shallow wrecks, including sharp objects, entanglement risks, and potential low visibility.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck of HMS St Lawrence has been well-documented and known among local divers and historians for many years. Its location is popular and frequently visited due to its historical significance.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of HMS St Lawrence lies in about 30 feet of water, making it easily accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The shallow depth and the relatively intact condition of the wreck allow for a detailed exploration of the ship’s remains. However, divers should take care not to disturb the site, as it is an important part of Canada’s naval history.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – HMS St Lawrence: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – HMS St Lawrence: Wrecksite Database
- Kingston Shipwrecks: Kingston Shipwrecks
- Naval History and Heritage Command: Naval History and Heritage
KEYWORDS
- HMS St Lawrence, Ship of the Line, Lake Ontario, Kingston, War of 1812, British Navy, Naval Frigate, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Scuttled Wreck.
ANALYSIS HMS St Lawrence represents one of the most significant naval vessels ever constructed on the Great Lakes. Its construction during the War of 1812 and subsequent peaceful deterrent role underscore its importance in British naval strategy. The ship’s final resting place in shallow waters near Kingston provides a unique opportunity for divers to explore a piece of naval history. The preservation of the wreck, combined with its accessibility, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding the naval architecture and maritime history of the early 19th century.
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the HMS St Lawrence, from its historical significance to its current status as a shipwreck site. The included resources and links are directly related to the ship’s history and its location, offering avenues for further research and exploration.
