Sub-Aquatic Sports & Service - BC, MI - St. Lawrence Seaway/Brockville Trip

: St. Lawrence Seaway/Brockville

Date: August 15-21, 2010

Where can you find historical shipwrecks bathed in mid-70`F water? Certainly in Florida, even in the Caribbean, but I’m suggesting a place much closer, the St. Lawrence Seaway. It’s a 9-hour drive to the historical and picturesque town of Brockville, Ontario. The water temperatures are mild and the shipwrecks are so numerous that we have decided to dedicate an entire wee of diving here. St. Lawrence is one of the world’s great rivers. It’s been a crucial artery for westward migration, commercial goods and troop movement during several wars. Brockville sits at the entrance of what is called 1000 Islands. The name alone describes the maze of navigational hazards that ships faced when traversing the area.

Dive Schedule:

12 dives are scheduled on freighters, steamers and 18th-century barges. Boat dives are planned for four days (3 dives/day) with optional beach dives on Friday. The area has 11 different beach dives sites. Lunch will be served on board during boat dive days.

Accommodations are at the Comfort Inn in Brockville. They offer complimentary ‘Canadian Continental’ breakfast, which consists of hot and cold cereal, waffles, bagels, toast, etc. An assortment of restaurants is within walking distance and if you haven’t had enough exercise, complimentary YMCA passes are also offered.

Documentation Required For American Dive Charters:

Proof of citizenship is required - Birth Certificate or Passport or Citizenship Card. NOTE: A Driver's License is NOT proof of citizenship.

Canadian and U.S. citizens are strongly recommended to carry a Passport, however a Canadian or U.S. Birth Certificate is acceptable if accompanied by government-issued photo I.D. For Citizens of other countries, please contact our office. It is at the discretion of United States Immigration Services to refuse entry to Boldt Castle to any person(s). In this case, Seeway Vision Dive Charters regrets, no refund will be given. Schedule and duration of charters are subject to availability of Customs and Immigration and may change without notice. For more information, or clarification on the above, contact Seeway Vision Dive Charters / Sea N' Sky Scuba.

COST:

Double Occupancy $910

Triple Occupancy $810

Quad Occupancy $760

A $200 non-refundable deposit is necessary to guarantee space on this trip. Final payment is due 30 days prior to departure. A pre-trip meeting is scheduled approximately 30 days prior to the trip. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Prices are based on the current exchange rates, government taxes and fuel charges. They are subject to change without notice.

Package Includes:

6 Nights Accommodations based on double occupancy

12 Boat Dives (3 dives/day Monday-Thursday)

Optional shore diving on Friday or tour the area

Lunches on Monday— Thursday

Canadian Continental Breakfast daily

SASS guide and t-shirt

: Signatures Shipwrecks:

Keystorm: This steel freighter was originally built in England in 1908. She was carrying Bituminous coal from New York when encountering dense fog while crossing over Outer Scrow Island shoal. She sank within minutes after hitting the shoal with no any loss of life. There may be an additional fee for diving this wreck.

Lillie Parsons: There is an anchor sitting on the shore of Sparrow Island. Follow the chain into the water and you’ll run into the bow of a two-masted schooner. The Lillie was built in 1868 and was carrying coal to Brockville when she sank. A squall came up and caused the cargo to shift. This resulted in the vessel being pinned to the island where it took on water and eventually capsized and sank.

Robert Gaskin: This vessel was destined to be a shipwreck. The Gaskin is a three-masted wooden barque built in 1863. In 1894, she was converted into a salvage barge. While on a job, salvaging the railroad ferry Armstrong, the Gaskin sank. She was brought up but sank a second time. Now, I would think the crew would re-think their strategy, but no, they continued and the Gaskin sank a third and final time. She now rests in 55 ft – 70 ft. of water.

Eastcliff: This 343 ft. freighter met a tragic end when she hit a shoal in the middle of the night. Nine of the twelve crew lost their lives. Today the Eastcliff is a great dive but with significant currents. The cargo area is open which helps to shield you from the currents.

Muscallonge: Fish life is impressive on this wreck. The steamer was towing the barge, Hudson, when she caught on fire. There were attempts to have a fire pumper come to the rescue but this failed. Once the fuel tanks caught on fire, the ship exploded making the ‘Muskie’ the fish sanctuary she is today.

J.B. King: What’s the chances of being struck by lighting? Too high for the J.B. King! She was at work, drilling and blasting the narrows north of Cockburn Island when lightning struck. This caused an explosion that resulted in the deaths of 32 crew members. The wreck sits in deeper depths and in quick current.