Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Steam Launch
- Type: Late 19th-century steam launch
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 30 ft (9.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 27.4 m / 90 ft
- Location: Niagara Shoal, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: 44° 17.212′ N, 76° 0.243′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Niagara Shoal Steam Launch is categorized as a late 19th-century steam launch, representative of smaller steam-powered vessels that were common during that era.
Description
The wreck is located on Niagara Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, approximately 300 feet downstream from the wreck of the Iroquoise. It rests at a depth of 90 feet (27.4 meters) on a shelf above a steep slope, covered in white periwinkle shells, which can create the illusion of a shallower depth. The vessel is highly deteriorated, having been stripped of useful parts, including its engine, prior to abandonment.
History
The wreck was discovered in 1993 by Dennis McCarthy during a non-contact survey of the Iroquoise, conducted by the St. Lawrence Historical Foundation. The vessel is believed to have been abandoned after being stripped of its useful components, leading to its deterioration. The condition of the wreck worsened significantly in 2009, likely due to strong currents and natural degradation of its wooden structure.
Significant Incidents
- The wreck was discovered in 1993 by Dennis McCarthy.
- The condition of the wreck worsened significantly in 2009.
Final Disposition
The wreck remains on the riverbed, with no known plans for recovery or salvage. It serves as a historical site, reflecting the maritime activity of the late 19th century.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is highly deteriorated and buried in a layer of white periwinkle shells. Divers should be aware of the strong currents and variable visibility, which can be affected by sediment and current.
Resources & Links
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The unidentified steam launch on Niagara Shoal offers divers a challenging yet rewarding exploration of a piece of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime history. Its deteriorated condition and strong currents make it an advanced dive, but its historical context and unique resting environment provide a memorable underwater experience.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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