Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cedar Island Yacht
- Type: Sailboat (abandoned)
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length 30 ft (9.1 m); Beam and depth not recorded
- Registered Tonnage: Not applicable
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Cedar Island, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: 44°13.579′ N, 76°26.971′ W
- Official Number: Not applicable
- Original Owners: Unknown; recovered and left in situ by Kings Dive Ltd.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Sailboat (abandoned)
Description
This 30-foot fiberglass sailboat lies upright on a silted slope at 40 feet (12 m) near Cedar Island in the St. Lawrence River. The hull is intact but shows deterioration consistent with long-term freshwater immersion. Originally left at the site following an unsuccessful recovery by Kings Dive Ltd., it was not scuttled intentionally. In 2014, a pink guideline was installed by Adam Rushton to connect this wreck with the nearby steamship Tinto, creating a two-wreck dive circuit.
History
The sailboat’s identity, origin, and circumstances of loss are undocumented, but it is known to have been removed from the water and later deposited at this location following a failed salvage operation. Despite its accidental abandonment, the wreck gained popularity among local divers for training purposes, particularly for orientation and buoyancy practice. Since 2014, it has served as a navigation point en route to the Tinto wreck.
Significant Incidents
- Abandoned c. early 2000s following a failed recovery operation.
Final Disposition
The vessel remains intact on the bottom, upright, and accessible. It is regularly visited and maintained as part of the local diving circuit.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is stable, with low risk. All divers should follow Ontario heritage dive protocols.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cedar-island-yacht” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Access to the Cedar Island Yacht is via boat from Kingston, making it a convenient dive site for both novice and experienced divers. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories while enjoying this unique underwater experience.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Lead Image
Identification Card (Site Style)
Other Names: Cedar Island Sailboat
Official Number: Not applicable
Registry: Unknown
Vessel Type: Sailboat (abandoned)
Builder: Unknown
Year Built: Unknown
Dimensions: Length 30 ft (9.1 m); beam and depth not recorded
Tonnage: Not applicable
Cargo on Final Voyage: None
Date of Loss: Abandoned c. early 2000s
Location: Cedar Island, St. Lawrence River
Coordinates: 44°13.579′ N, 76°26.971′ W
Depth: 40 ft (12 m)
Home Port: Unknown
Owners: Unknown; recovered and left in situ by Kings Dive Ltd.
Crew: None
Casualties: None
Description
This 30-foot fiberglass sailboat lies upright on a silted slope at 40 feet (12 m) near Cedar Island in the St. Lawrence River. The hull is intact but shows deterioration consistent with long-term freshwater immersion. Originally left at the site following an unsuccessful recovery by Kings Dive Ltd., it was not scuttled intentionally. In 2014, a pink guideline was installed by Adam Rushton to connect this wreck with the nearby steamship Tinto, creating a two-wreck dive circuit.
History
The sailboat’s identity, origin, and circumstances of loss are undocumented, but it is known to have been removed from the water and later deposited at this location following a failed salvage operation. Despite its accidental abandonment, the wreck gained popularity among local divers for training purposes, particularly for orientation and buoyancy practice. Since 2014, it has served as a navigation point en route to the Tinto wreck.
Final Dispositions
The vessel remains intact on the bottom, upright, and accessible. It is regularly visited and maintained as part of the local diving circuit.
Located By & Date Found
Recovery and placement by Kings Dive Ltd.; pink guideline added in 2014 by Adam Rushton.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted. Site is stable, with low risk. All divers should follow Ontario heritage dive protocols.
Dive Information
Access: Boat dive from Kingston
Entry Point: Kingston marina
Conditions: Calm to mild current, visibility 3–10 m (10–33 ft)
Depth Range: 12 m (40 ft)
Emergency Contacts: Kingston General Hospital; Prescott MCTS VHF 16; 911 (Canada)
Permits: Not required; no artifact removal allowed
Dive Support: Local dive shops
Best Time to Dive: June to September
Crew & Casualty Memorials
None; no crew or fatalities associated.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“In 2014, a pink guideline was laid by Adam Rushton, connecting the yacht to the TINTO wreck. It remains a vital training aid in the often low-visibility waters.” — Shotline Diving
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Not applicable. No known documentation in Canadian vessel registries.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Documented on ShotlineDiving.com. No 3D scans or NOAA records. Line-linked to Tinto.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Shotline Diving – Cedar Island Yacht
- Shotline Diving – Tinto Wreck
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
References
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: Cedar Island Sailboat
Official Number: Not applicable
Coordinates: 44°13.579′ N, 76°26.971′ W
Depth: 40 ft (12 m)
Location Description: South slope off Cedar Island, St. Lawrence River
Vessel Type: Sailboat (fiberglass)
Material: Fiberglass
Dimensions: Length 30 ft (9.1 m); beam and depth not documented
Condition: Upright, intact, stable
Cause of Loss: Abandoned following failed recovery
Discovery Date: c. early 2000s
Discovered By: Kings Dive Ltd.
Method: Salvage placement
Legal Notes: Non-heritage site; recreational training use
Hazards: None noted
Permits Required: No (general dive etiquette applies)