Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Yeo Island Upside Down

Explore the mysterious wreck of an unidentified pleasure craft near Yeo Island, offering intriguing dive conditions and a rich maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unidentified Pleasure Craft
  • Type: Pleasure Craft
  • Dimensions: Length 20 ft (6.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 22.5 m / 74 ft
  • Location: Near Yeo Island, Rockport, Ontario
  • Coordinates: 44°22'32.10"N, 75°55'6.70"W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck near Yeo Island is an unidentified pleasure craft, measuring approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length. Its design is reminiscent of small recreational boats, which were commonly used in the mid-20th century on the St. Lawrence River. The absence of the outboard motor suggests it may have been removed either before or after the vessel was abandoned, or it could have been lost during the incident that led to the sinking. The vessel’s condition—featuring a crumpled windshield and remnants of seating—indicates it was once used for leisure activities, providing a mix of relaxation and adventure on the river.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The wreck now lies undisturbed on the riverbed, serving as a silent sentinel beneath the river’s currents. The vessel’s purpose, journey, and eventual abandonment remain unknown, shrouded in mystery. The crumpled windshield, the missing motor, and the remaining structure suggest that this was once a vessel that provided joy and freedom on the open water, now resting quietly beneath the waves.

History

HISTORY

The story of this wreck began with a tip-off from local mariner Jay Paraino in July 2023. He informed diver Dan Gildea about a potential shipwreck near Yeo Island. Intrigued by the lead, Gildea and his partner Rutledge took on the mission to locate the wreck. Their persistence paid off when a side-scan sonar confirmed the presence of the vessel at a depth of 74 feet (22.5 meters), just off the shores of Yeo Island.

Significant Incidents

SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS

  • July 2023: Local mariner Jay Paraino tips off diver Dan Gildea about a potential shipwreck near Yeo Island.
  • August 9, 2023: Side-scan sonar confirms the presence of the wreck at a depth of 74 feet (22.5 meters).

Final Disposition

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck now lies undisturbed on the riverbed, serving as a silent sentinel beneath the river’s currents. The vessel’s purpose, journey, and eventual abandonment remain unknown, shrouded in mystery. The crumpled windshield, the missing motor, and the remaining structure suggest that this was once a vessel that provided joy and freedom on the open water, now resting quietly beneath the waves.

Current Condition & Accessibility

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The site offers an intriguing dive for those interested in uncovering maritime mysteries. The clear waters of the St. Lawrence River provide good visibility, making the wreck accessible to divers with intermediate skills. The surrounding natural beauty of Yeo Island, combined with the serene environment of the river, enhances the allure of this dive site.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

CONCLUSION

The wreck near Yeo Island remains a captivating dive site, offering a blend of history, mystery, and underwater exploration. As more divers explore this site, it is hoped that further clues may be uncovered, revealing more about the vessel’s past and the circumstances of its final voyage.