Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unidentified Boston Whaler
• Type: Tri-hull Pleasure Boat
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 28 m / 92 ft
• Location: St. Lawrence River, between Rockport, Ontario, and Alexandria Bay, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The vessel type is classified as a tri-hull pleasure boat, known for its stability and suitability for leisure activities on rivers and lakes.

Description

The St. Lawrence River, renowned for its natural beauty and rich maritime history, has long been a destination for adventurers and historians alike. Beneath its serene surface lie countless relics from the past, each with its own story to tell. In September 2023, Daniel Gildea, a dedicated member of Shotline Diving (SLD), along with his friend Jay Paraino, made an unexpected discovery during one of their underwater explorations: an old Boston Whaler, potentially scuttled, resting at a depth of 92 feet.

History

During an expedition aimed at locating a known wreck in the St. Lawrence River, Dan and Jay stumbled upon something entirely different. Lying on the riverbed between Rockport, Ontario, and Alexandria Bay, New York, was what appeared to be a tri-hull pleasure boat, distinctively painted in striking blue. The condition of the boat immediately caught their attention. It was evident that the vessel had been deliberately scuttled, possibly to dispose of it in a manner that ensured it would not resurface. Items were loaded aboard, the gauges had been removed, and the boat bore visible signs of intentional damage. Despite this, remnants of its registration numbers were still discernible, offering tantalizing clues to its past.

Significant Incidents

• The vessel was discovered in September 2023 by Daniel Gildea and Jay Paraino.
• Evidence of intentional scuttling was noted, including removed gauges and signs of damage.

Final Disposition

The discovery of this Boston Whaler raises intriguing questions about its origins and the circumstances leading to its scuttling. While much remains unknown, the presence of registration numbers hints that further research could uncover more details about the boat’s history, its owner, and the events that led to its sinking.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The tri-hull design, along with other structural details, suggested that the vessel was a Boston Whaler, a popular brand of recreational boats known for their durability and distinctive design. Boston Whalers from this era were celebrated for their unsinkable hulls, often marketed as boats that could stay afloat even when cut in half. The vessel’s bright blue color remains prominent, even after years underwater.

Resources & Links

The discovery serves as a reminder that the St. Lawrence River, despite its well-charted waters, still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. The swift documentation and release of the 3D model have sparked curiosity and discussion among divers, historians, and enthusiasts, all eager to piece together the story behind this sunken vessel.