Mike Robertson, Ralph Hoskins, Jim Kozmik and Jill Heinerth
The St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes offer the opportunity to dive into our maritime past by exploring remarkable shipwrecks. Thousands of wrecks reside in the dark basement of the Great Lakes, and each has its own story. This past weekend I had the chance to dive with old friends near my Mom’s birthplace. Kingston, Ontario always gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling that conjures up memories of family weekends at my grandparent’s home or exploring places like Fort Henry or Amherst Island. My dive buddies Ralph Hoskins and underwater cinematographer Jim Kozmik joined me for some recreational dives. Jim and Ralph have an unbreakable bond. While working on a filming project in remote Cocos Island, Jim lost consciousness on a rebreather due to an equipment failure. Ralph saved his life. As a result, their friendship is unbreakable and Jim reminds everyone about Ralph’s sharp focus as a dive buddy. It is a great lesson for everyone on the boat — remain vigilant, even though these are relatively simple dives.
Bottles, china and tools can be found on the deck of the Munson.
Our first dive takes us to the Dredge Munson in 110 feet of water.
Latitude: 44° 12′ 34.1388″ N Longitude: -76° 36′ 29.7612″ W
After a workday in the spring of 1890, it was heading to Rossmore, Ontario and sank without a loss of life. The decks are strewn with pots, china, buckets and tools and it easy to swim through the lower decks. The wreck is in magnificent shape despite the fact that is easy to reach in calm waters when the open lake is really rough. The bottom is extremely silty and easy to stir up, so good technique is a must.
RCGS Fellow Jim Kozmik hovers over the lifeboat on the Davie. Photo Jill Heinerth
Our second dive is on the George T. Davie.
Latitude: 44° 6′ 47.4012″ N Longitude: -76° 34′ 46.8012″ WThis ship was built in 1898, and sailed the St Lawrence and Lake Ontario until it sank on April 18, 1945. It was being towed from Oswego, New York, to Kingston, Ontario, by the tug “Salvage Prince,” when it unexpectedly capsized and sank. It sits in 95 feet of water on a sandy silt bottom that can be easily disturbed. The crane sits on the starboard side and don’t miss the lifeboat, pilothouse and boiler. The ship’s wheel is covered in zebra mussels like the rest of the boat, but one handle is clean form all the divers who could not resist touching the wheel.
RCGS Fellow Jim Kozmik on the Davie. Photo Jill Heinerth
