Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: SS Keystorm
• Type: Steel steam barge (cargo freighter)
• Year Built: 1910
• Builder: Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson
• Dimensions: Length 258 ft (78.6 m); Beam 44 ft (13.4 m); Depth of hold 22 ft (6.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,673 GRT
• Depth at Wreck Site: 35 m / 115 ft
• Location: Near Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: 44°25'46" N, 75°49'22" W
• Official Number: C129749
• Original Owners: Keystone Transportation Company
• Number of Masts: Single mast

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SS Keystorm was a steel-hulled steam cargo vessel, often referred to as a ‘canaller’ freighter, designed for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River trade.

Description

The Keystorm sank after striking a shoal in the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, at a location known as Outer Scow Island Shoal. The wreck lies in international waters, approximately 7 miles from Alexandria Bay, and is considered one of the most significant shipwrecks in the region.

History

Construction: Built for the Keystone Transportation Company of Montreal, the Keystorm was launched on March 30, 1910. She was designed to the maximum dimensions for transit through the St. Lawrence River canals.

Service History: After entering service in April 1910, she primarily carried bulk cargo, especially coal, between U.S. ports on Lake Ontario and Montreal.

Loss Circumstances: On October 26, 1912, while navigating in heavy fog, the Keystorm struck the shoals of Outer Scow Island. Despite efforts to manage the flooding, the vessel sank, but all crew members were evacuated safely.

Significant Incidents

• October 26, 1912: Struck shoal and sank; all crew evacuated safely.
• 1917: Wreck sold to a salvage concern.
• 1919: Divers recovered the cargo of coal from the wreck.

Final Disposition

The wreck was marked by a buoy and remains largely intact on the river bottom. Over the years, various salvage operations have taken place, but the hull and machinery remain in place, serving as a time capsule of early 20th-century maritime history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Keystorm is remarkably well-preserved, with a depth range from 7.5 m (25 ft) at the bow to 35 m (115 ft) at the stern. The wreck is accessible to divers of varying skill levels, with features such as the pilothouse and engine room available for exploration.

Resources & Links

The legacy of the Keystorm continues to attract divers, serving as a reminder of the perils of navigation and the importance of maritime safety. It stands as a significant dive site, offering insights into early 20th-century ship construction and the history of the Great Lakes.