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.

Identification & Site Information:

• Vessel Name: Unidentified Wooden Cris Craft (1955)
• Type: Wooden Pleasure Boat
• Location: St. Lawrence River, near Goose Bay, Alexandria Bay, New York, USA
• Coordinates: Not provided
• Depth: Approximately 92 feet (30 meters)

Vessel Type Description:

The 1955 Cris Craft represents the pinnacle of mid-20th-century pleasure boating. Known for their elegant craftsmanship and timeless design, Cris Craft boats were highly regarded as a symbol of status and leisure. Built from fine mahogany and equipped with powerful engines, these vessels combined beauty and performance, making them popular among recreational boaters.

This specific Cris Craft is presumed to have been used for recreational cruising along the St. Lawrence River, a prime destination for boating enthusiasts. The presence of a large tow rope suggests it may have been in tow at the time of its sinking.

History:

The exact history of this particular vessel remains unknown. Built in 1955, this Cris Craft likely belonged to a private owner who enjoyed the scenic waterways of the St. Lawrence River. The cause of its sinking is not documented, but possible factors include an accident, rough weather, or structural failure.

The wreck’s discovery, lying in 92 feet of water, has turned it into a notable dive site for exploring the recreational boating culture of the 1950s.

Final Disposition:

The Cris Craft lies at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, tilted to one side on a silty slope beneath Buoy 181, within the shipping channel near Goose Bay. The intact state of the wreck, with the tow rope still attached to the bow, adds to its intrigue. The exact circumstances of its demise remain speculative, contributing to its mystery and appeal.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck. However, its position under a shipping channel emphasizes caution for divers exploring the area.

Located By & Date:

• Likely discovered by local divers or underwater archaeologists.
• No exact date of discovery is available.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

• The wreck lies intact at 92 feet (30 meters) on a silty bottom
• Accessible to advanced recreational divers, particularly those trained in deep diving.
• The wreck can be reached by descending the anchor line at Buoy 181 and swimming approximately 100 feet (30 meters) Northinto the channel.

Resources & Links:

• Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, NY: Information about Cris Craft boats and vintage pleasure vessels.
• St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation: Contextual history and shipwreck insights for the region.
• YouTube Video (CC Dan Gildea, 2024): A dive video showcasing the wreck site.

Photos:

No publicly available photographs are known, but the dive video by Dan Gildea provides a detailed visual reference.

Dive Instructions:

• Entry Point: Begin at Buoy 181.
• Descent: Follow the anchor line to the riverbed at 92 feet.
• Navigation: Swim North approximately 100 feet (30 meters) into the channel to locate the wreck.

Keywords:

Wooden Cris Craft, 1955 boat wreck, Goose Bay diving, St. Lawrence River wrecks, pleasure boat shipwreck, Alexandria Bay diving, vintage pleasure craft, maritime history, Thousand Islands.

Conclusion:

The 1955 Cris Craft pleasure boat wreck offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-20th-century recreational boating. Its intact condition and mysterious sinking make it an engaging dive site for those exploring the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River. Would you like assistance planning a dive, or additional historical details about Cris Craft vessels of this era?

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