Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Islander
- Type: Sidewheeler Steamer
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: D.W. Springstead
- Dimensions: Length 125 ft (38.1 m); Beam 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 118.61 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15 m / 50 ft
- Location: Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: 44° 20′ 17.4984″ N, 75° 55′ 11.9316″ W
- Official Number: US 75508
- Original Owners: Various, including Thousand Island Steamboat Co.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Islander, originally launched as the J.H. Kelly, was a wooden-hulled sidewheeler steamer built in 1871 by D.W. Springstead in Rochester, New York. Designed for river and lake navigation, its sidewheel propulsion suited the calm waters of the Thousand Islands region. The vessel underwent several modifications, including a significant rebuild in 1881, which extended its length and increased its tonnage. It served various roles throughout its life, reflecting the growing importance of tourism and regional transport.
Description
The Islander was a notable vessel in the Thousand Islands region, recognized for its role in the tourism boom of the late 19th century. After its rebuild in 1881, it became a prominent ferry for tourists, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Thousand Islands.
History
Operational History and Notable Events:
- 1873 Grounding Incident: Shortly after its launch, the J.H. Kelly ran aground in Alexandria Bay but sustained minimal damage and was quickly repaired.
- 1881 Rebuild: The vessel was lengthened to 125 feet, its tonnage increased to 118.61 tons, and renamed John Thorn.
- 1888 Name Change: Renamed Islander, it began service with the Thousand Island Steamboat Co., symbolizing the romantic era of steamboat tourism.
- Tourism Boom: The Islander became an iconic vessel, ferrying tourists across the Thousand Islands and contributing to the region’s tourism industry.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition:
On September 16, 1909, while docked at Crossman Dock in Alexandria Bay, the Islander caught fire. Despite efforts to save it, the wooden vessel was consumed by flames and sank in shallow waters. The cause of the fire remains unknown. The wreck now rests at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, preserved as part of the region’s maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck Location and Diving Information:
- Location Coordinates: 44° 20′ 17.4984″ N, 75° 55′ 11.9316″ W
- Depth Range: 15 to 50 feet (4.6 to 15.2 meters)
- Dive Conditions: Generally good visibility, though currents in the St. Lawrence River can vary. Caution is advised around loose debris and unstable areas of the wreck.
The site offers a unique opportunity for divers to explore the remains of the Islander, including its sidewheel assembly and portions of the hull, making it a fascinating historical dive.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”islander-us-75508-j-h-kelly-john-thorn” title=”References & Links”]
The Islander remains a significant artifact of the Thousand Islands’ rich maritime history, offering insight into the era of river steamers and the region’s early tourism boom.
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.
Islander 3 m faces by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Original Name: J.H. Kelly
- Other Names: John Thorn, Islander
- Vessel Type: Sidewheeler Steamer
- Built: 1871, Rochester, NY
- Builder: D.W. Springstead
- Dimensions:
- Length: 125 feet (38.1 meters, after 1881 rebuild)
- Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 118.61 tons (after 1881 rebuild)
- Final Location: Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: 44° 20′ 17.4984″ N, 75° 55′ 11.9316″ W
- Final Fate: Destroyed by fire on September 16, 1909
VESSEL TYPE AND DESCRIPTION
The Islander, originally launched as the J.H. Kelly, was a wooden-hulled sidewheeler steamer built in 1871 by D.W. Springstead in Rochester, New York. Designed for river and lake navigation, its sidewheel propulsion suited the calm waters of the Thousand Islands region. The vessel underwent several modifications, including a significant rebuild in 1881, which extended its length and increased its tonnage. It served various roles throughout its life, reflecting the growing importance of tourism and regional transport.
OPERATIONAL HISTORY AND NOTABLE EVENTS
- 1873 Grounding Incident: Shortly after its launch, the J.H. Kelly ran aground in Alexandria Bay but sustained minimal damage and was quickly repaired.
- 1881 Rebuild: The vessel was lengthened to 125 feet, its tonnage increased to 118.61 tons, and renamed John Thorn.
- 1888 Name Change: Renamed Islander, it began service with the Thousand Island Steamboat Co., symbolizing the romantic era of steamboat tourism.
- Tourism Boom: The Islander became an iconic vessel, ferrying tourists across the Thousand Islands and contributing to the region’s tourism industry.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On September 16, 1909, while docked at Crossman Dock in Alexandria Bay, the Islander caught fire. Despite efforts to save it, the wooden vessel was consumed by flames and sank in shallow waters. The cause of the fire remains unknown. The wreck now rests at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, preserved as part of the region’s maritime history.
WRECK LOCATION AND DIVING INFORMATION
- Location Coordinates: 44° 20′ 17.4984″ N, 75° 55′ 11.9316″ W
- Depth Range: 15 to 50 feet (4.6 to 15.2 meters)
- Dive Conditions: Generally good visibility, though currents in the St. Lawrence River can vary. Caution is advised around loose debris and unstable areas of the wreck.
Notices to Mariners & Diving Advisories:
- Hazards: Loose debris and unstable wreck structure.
- Visibility: Variable based on weather and water currents.
The site offers a unique opportunity for divers to explore the remains of the Islander, including its sidewheel assembly and portions of the hull, making it a fascinating historical dive.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- 3D Shipwrecks
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green University Archives
- Discover 1000 Islands
- Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce
The Islander remains a significant artifact of the Thousand Islands’ rich maritime history, offering insight into the era of river steamers and the region’s early tourism boom.
3D Model – Islander
Islander by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Photo Gallery July 2024 – Matthew Charlesworth
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