Unidentified Stacked Hulls

The Stacked Hulls –  A Dive into Kingston’s History

In the heart of Lake Ontario, a veil of mystery shrouds the “Stacked Hulls,” a peculiar dive site just offshore from Kingston. Unlike the majestic shipwrecks scattered across the Great Lakes, the Stacked Hulls are an enigma. Two unidentified hulls, seemingly playing a game of aquatic piggyback, rest in silent slumber. Theories abound about their origin, but none have been definitively proven.

The prevailing belief is that these hulls were part of the Kingston Harbour cleanup project undertaken around 1925. As the city grew, its bustling waterfront accumulated a collection of abandoned vessels, posing a navigational hazard. The cleanup effort aimed to clear these unwanted guests, and some speculate the Stacked Hulls represent unsuccessful attempts at salvaging or dismantling these forgotten ships.

Sitemap by Tom Rutledge CC2022

However, the true story might lie deeper. The lack of identification adds an air of intrigue. Were these humble workboats,victims of a fierce storm, or perhaps remnants of a bygone era of wooden schooners? The silence of the depths holds the answer.

Today, the Stacked Hulls offer a unique dive experience for seasoned adventurers. Accessible from shore, a marked line guides divers on a 200-foot journey from the beach. Following an old pipeline, you’ll arrive at an impressive anchor park,a testament to the tireless efforts of local divers who have transformed this area into an underwater museum of lost anchors.

But the real treasure lies further south. As you navigate the line, the murky depths give way to the skeletal forms of the stacked hulls. Encrusted with zebra mussels and draped in wisps of aquatic plants, they are a haunting reminder of the lake’s ever-changing story. Explore the nooks and crannies, peering into the cargo holds where secrets may lie hidden.Schools of curious fish dart through the wreckage, adding a splash of life to the silent scene.

The Stacked Hulls are more than just a dive site; they are a portal to Kingston’s rich history. Each dive offers a chance to brush against the forgotten past, a silent conversation with the wrecks that hold the city’s maritime memories within their decaying wood.

3D Model by Nothing Unknown CC2024