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Conestoga

Ontario, Canada
Depth
Depth Icon
66ft
Visibility
Visibility Icon
16ft - 49ft
Entry
Boat Icon
boat
Experience Level
Beginner

About Conestoga

The steamer Conestoga was built by Quale & Son of Cleveland for Anchor Line and launched July 6, 1878. A considerable amount of money, technical design and skill went into construction,, as evidenced by the description in the Cleveland Daily Plain Dealer on July 8, 1878: "Fitted out in all proportions with a care to strength, durability and beauty ... it is estimated that her cost will be near $90,000.00. Two hundred fifty-two feet long, sixteen feet deep with a gross tonnage of 1,226, Consetoga was powered by a steeple compound engine capable of a speed of 8 knots. The upper portion of the steeple engine protrudes above the river, marking the site. She sank on May 22, 1922 outside Lock 28 of the Old Galop Canal, one mile east of Cardinal, Ontario. A fire broke out in the engine room while awaiting passage at the lock. The ship was flushed from the Lock and allowed to ground and sink in her present position. Loss was estimated at $200,000.00. She was carrying 30,000 bushels of wheat, much of which was salvaged. You will see the engine protruding from the water. There is a parking area. Food and lodging can be found in Cardinal. Although the wooden portions of the Conestoga are still in good condition, the upper areas are badly ice damaged and all metal is rusted and deteriorating. Conestoga has suffered greatly from looting and wreck-stripping by sport divers. One blade of the 14-foot propeller was broken off by an exploding dynamite charge during an unsucessful salvage attempt. This is a great shallow beginner dive and has good visibility resulting in great photographic opportunities.

Conestoga Dive Info: Key Characteristics and Details

Unit Settings

Terrain and Features: Inland, Wreck, Other
Entry Type:Boat
Max Depth:20m
Visibility Range:5m - 15m
Experience Level:Beginner
Best Gas:21% - 47% O2

Marine Life

  • Greenlings
  • Cabezon
  • Lingcod
  • Perch

Weather Conditions

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Dive Site Hazards

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