3D Image
Site:
Location: Alexandria Bay
GPS: 44°
20.297'N, 75° 55.207'W Depth: 20
-60 Feet
Bottom: Some Current, Rock and Mud Access: shore
Level: Beginner
to Advanced Build
Year: 1871
Build City: Rochester, NY
Vessel Type: Steamer
Hull: wood
Builder: D. W. Springstead
Propulsion: Side
wheeler Length: 125 feet
Beam: 20
feet Depth of hold: 7 feet
Date of loss: 9/16/1909 Cause: burned
The site is the wreck
of the Islander, a side-wheel steamer that burned and sank on September 16th,
1909. The wreck is just offshore at the foot of Market Street in downtown Alexandria Bay, N.Y.
The wooden wreck is much deteriorated. Resting on the slop of the bottom, it
is close to being parallel with shore.
The wreck is from 30 to 45 feet deep, with some timbers as deep as 60
feet. This is a maintained dive site with signage by Seaway Trails and car parking and water access are available. It is a nice
shore dive up stream off the hospital along or downstream the side of Cornwall
Brothers Store and Museum.
History:
This side-wheel steamer was built at Rochester, N.Y.
in 1871 and launched as the James H. Kelly and later renamed the John Thorn.
The Islander measured 125 feet by 20 feet by 7 feet and weighed 118 gross tons.
As well as being a regular mail carrier between Clayton and Alexandria Bay,
she was used in island and river tours. The Islander burnt on September 16th,
1909 while at dock in Alexandria
Bay.
Reference:
Watertown Daily Times. volume 2, October 13, 1909, Page 7,
WRECK OF ISLANDER BEING RAISED CREW AT WORK ON BURNED STEAMER -ANCHORS RAISED --
NAVIGATION NEWS. Alexandria Bay, Oct. 18
The wrecking crew, with derrick and tug, have arrived at
this place and are engaged in raising the wreck of the steamer Islander, which burned and sank at
Cornwall’s dock. Their work yesterday resulted in the hoisting of the steamer's
anchors. Efforts will be directed today toward raising the boiler which is of
considerable value, being comparatively new
Norwood News Norwood, St. Lawrence County, NY,
Tues, December 28. 1909.
The hull of the steamer Islander,
which was burned at Cornwall's dock, Alexandria Bay,
last fall, was towed out into the channel by the steam-barge Hinckley. The work was under the
supervision of Supervising Engineer Churchill, of the Oswego district. There is twenty-four feet of
water now over the poor old hull.
The WATERTOWN
HERALD Saturday, November 13, 1909
The Islander,
which was burned at her dock at Alexandria
Bay several weeks ago, is
still lying in front of the dock, completely under water. The engine, dynamo
and shafting have been removed from the hulk, but the main part has resisted
all efforts on the part of the wrecking crew. A light warns approaching vessels
of the danger. All boats are now obliged to land at the Crossman dock.
