America
From DiveSpot
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[edit] Location
In the Saint Lawrence River in U.S. waters, between Brockville and Rockport, Ontario, just downstream from the Keystorm.
[edit] Conditions
Current: Medium
Depth: 75'
Visibility: 15'-50'
Water temperature: From 1C (Feb.) to 25C (July)
[edit] Description
This steel drill barge sunk on June 20, 1932 due to an onboard explosion while it was dynamiting shoals in the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
This wreck lies upside down in the shipping channel. Boulders, the results of blasting by the America surround this site. A lifeboat lies on the north side of the wreck. Even after 80 years, oil from the wreck remains on the bottom, covered by a thin layer of silt. This oil is incredibly smelly so watch your buoyancy and stay off the bottom.
This wreck is also known as the "American."
[edit] Access
Access to this site is by boat. Follow the Dive Tech mooring line down to a large anchor whose chain leads to a line that runs over a ledge to the wreck.
This wreck lies in U.S. waters. Check with your charter operator to find out exactly what documentation you will need and provide any information required by U.S. Customs in advance. Normally, canadian charters must check in and check out with the US Customs office at Boldt Castle.
[edit] Hazards
This wreck lies in the shipping channel so a direct ascent to the surface is not safe. As such, it should be treated as an overhead environment. Passing freighters produce a lot of noise, water displacement, and reduced visibility. If one passes while you are diving, hold onto something until it has passed.
The oil on the bottom is more nuisance than safety hazard, but one should still be careful to avoid contact with it.
[edit] Recent Conditions
| Date | Temperature | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-06-26 | 17°C | 30' |
