Goose Bay Cris Craft – St. Lawrence River Yacht Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unidentified Wooden Cris Craft
• Type: Wooden Pleasure Boat
• Year Built: 1955
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 92 ft
• Location: St. Lawrence River, near Goose Bay, Alexandria Bay, New York, USA

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

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.

Description

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.

Significant Incidents

• The wreck 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.

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.

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) North into the channel.

Resources & Links

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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?