Robert Gaskin
From DiveSpot
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[edit] Location
In the Saint Lawrence River, offshore from Centeen Park in Brockville, Ontario.
[edit] Conditions
Current: 1-2 knots
Depth: 60'
Visibility: 5'-50'
Water temperature: From 1C (Feb.) to 25C (July)
[edit] Recent Conditions
Saturday Aug 8th 2009
Current : Moderate Current
Visibility : Viz not too bad accept when silted in the boat - 20 ft to 25 ft
Water Temp : 20.6C at 60 ft
Updated by the "Ivor the Diver"
| Date | Temperature | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-08-08 | 20.6°C @ 60' | 20-25' |
| 2010-xx-xx | x.x°C @ 60' | xxx' |
| 2010-xx-xx | x.x°C @ 60' | xxx' |
[edit] Description
This 132' wooden two-masted barque was trying to raise another ship when a pontoon tore loose and shot up through the Gaskin's hull, sinking it in 1889. After several failed recovery attempts, the Gaskin was left in 60' of water, perpendicular to the current with her bow facing north.
The hull of the Gaskin is mostly intact except for the hole caused by the runaway pontoon on her starboard side. The deck is full of holes, making penetration easy and relatively safe. A large anchor and plaque are near the bow.
Update: As of summer 2007, the Robert Gaskin is swiftly deteriorating. There is now a large section of the hull missing at the bow and the condition of the wreck seems to deteriorate from week to week.
[edit] Access
The site is accessible by boat, tied off to one of the two Save Ontario Shipwrecks moorings. Charter boats leave from Saint-Lawrence Park.
With sufficient gas, this site is also diveable as a long swim or DPV ride from Centeen Park.
[edit] Hazards
Currents can be strong early or late in the year. The Gaskin lies in the shipping channel so surfacing anywhere but the buoy can be dangerous.
