Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Grand View
• Type: Steam Launch
• Year Built: Late 19th century
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length ~40 ft (13 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: None known
• Depth at Wreck Site: 4.6 m / 15 ft
• Location: Near Eagle Wing Shoal, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: 44° 14.955′ N, 76° 6.240′ W
• Official Number: None known
• Original Owners: John A. Cook

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Grand View was a steam yacht, specifically a steam launch, designed for passenger transportation and leisure cruising in the Thousand Islands region.

Description

The wreck of the Grand View lies at a 45-degree angle on the silty bottom near Eagle Wing Shoal in the St. Lawrence River. The site begins with the stern section in about 15 feet (4.6 meters) of water and descends along the starboard side to the bow, partially buried in silt.

Divers can explore internal structures and observe features like the stern placard bearing the wreck’s name and year. Modern fishing anchors lost in recent years are scattered near the site. The vessel’s remains highlight its wooden construction and the absence of its motor and propeller, which were salvaged after the sinking.

History

The Grand View, owned by John A. Cook, was a prominent steam launch in the Thousand Islands. Its primary function was transporting passengers between Clayton Train Station and popular destinations such as Grand View Park on Wellesley Island.

The vessel’s sinking in 1901 near Eagle Wing Shoal likely resulted from a navigational mishap. Following the accident, salvage operations removed key mechanical components, leaving the hull submerged.

This wreck is a testament to the era’s reliance on steam launches for scenic transportation, reflecting the vibrant tourism and leisure activities in the Thousand Islands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Significant Incidents

• The Grand View sank in 1901, likely due to a navigational mishap.
• Key mechanical components were salvaged after the sinking.

Final Disposition

The Grand View was partially salvaged after its sinking, leaving its hull as a historical site beneath the St. Lawrence River.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s current prominence among divers is thanks to its well-documented location. Specific divers or discovery dates remain unclear.

The site is marked and accessible via the Underwater Natural Features buoy. It lies just north of channel marker 226 and downstream of the Eagle Wing Group’s first rock.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”grand-view” title=”References & Links”]

The Grand View wreck offers a unique diving experience, showcasing the historical significance of steam launches in the Thousand Islands region and providing divers with a glimpse into the past.