The Islander, at Alexandria Bay, NY, St. Lawrence Seaway, US Side. A  126 ft. Sidewheel Steamer, Burned and Sank in 20 - 60 ft of water, just off shore (maybe 20 ft. from shore) while it was docked, on 9/16/1909, and is an easy shore   dive. This site is located next to the hospital at Alexandria Bay. On 10-18-98, we had approximately 65 ft of vis and water temp was approximately 58f. The green pictures are unaltered video captures from our underwater Video. I changed the blue ones for better contrast.

The Islander lies just offshore Alexandria Bay, although it is usually done as a boat dive since access can be limited at different times of the year. Built in the late 1800s, the Islander burned and sank on September 15, 1909. The wreck lies only 50 feet from shore. The relatively intact bow section is in 45 feet of water, making it a very popular site. The current in this area is slight, and the flow is actually opposite the direction of the main river at the wreck site. The bottom is very silty and care must be taken to avoid a siltout.

 Fortunately, the current will clear the area if this happens and good visibility is possible after a short wait. Artifact collectors still search the wreck for souvenirs.

 

TEXT BY PETE NAWROCKY  from Skin Diver Magazine April 1999

The S.S. Keystorm, at Triple Ought Bay. St. Lawrence Seaway, US Side.

A  258 ft Cargo Steamer, Sunk in 1912 when it hit the shallow shoal in the side of  the channel and sitting on its side in 20 -130 ft. The Steamer was carrying a cargo of coal at the time it sank. A picture of the Keystorm is below.

On 10-17-98, we had approximately 50 ft. of  vis. and   water temp. was approximately 58 degs f.

 

There are some nice photos of the Keystorm here.  An article in Skin Diver Magazine

 

The divers left to right St. Lawrence Seaway in background 

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