Diving atA.E. Vickery (United States)
Descending into the St. Lawrence River, divers encounter the remarkable A.E. Vickery, a schooner standing upright on the riverbed. An experience here transports you back in time, offering a profound sense of exploration. Its presence beneath the currents feels both imposing and inviting, a testament to maritime history frozen in freshwater depths. The atmosphere around this wreck is distinct, challenging divers with its conditions yet rewarding with its preserved structure.
At A.E. Vickery, the ambient air temperature is currently recorded at 9.7°C. This dive site in United States is operating under normal seasonal weather patterns. Familiarize yourself with the local topography prior to navigating.
Dive Site Coordinates
44.2802, -76.0190
Dive Site Overview
First launched in 1861 as the J.B. Penfold, the vessel later known as the A.E. Vickery settled into its final position in August 1889 after an encounter with a shoal.
This historic schooner, unlike many river wrecks, remains upright and remarkably intact, offering a rich exploration for advanced recreational divers. Located on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River, near Rock Island Reef Light, the site requires careful navigation. Divers typically begin their descent following guide lines, often originating from the stern around 18 meters, before progressing into deeper sections of the wreck.
Maximum exploration depth for this site reaches 38 m (125 ft), with shallower platforms available closer to the stern. A guideline from the mooring buoy generally leads explorers through different structural elements.
Its well-preserved bow and stern sections, alongside spacious holds, provide ample opportunities to observe maritime history firsthand. Planning a dive here offers more than just a wreck visit; it's an immersive journey into a significant piece of freshwater heritage, particularly engaging for those certified for wreck penetration.
Exploring the decks and internal structures, if qualified, reveals details of its past life as a cargo vessel. The schooner's integrity beneath the river's flow is a testament to its robust construction and the freshwater environment's preservation capabilities.
Best Time to Dive
Considering conditions first, optimal diving at the A.E. Vickery typically falls between May and October, aligning with the warmer months and higher dive scores. During July and August, air temperatures average 22.5°C (72.5°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F) respectively, making surface conditions more comfortable. September and October also provide favorable opportunities, with air temperatures around 18°C (64.4°F) and 11.8°C (53.2°F), and continued 'Good' dive scores. Rainfall during these months is generally moderate, ranging from 1.67 mm (0.07 in) in September to 3.56 mm (0.14 in) in July, which can affect river visibility. While water temperature data isn't consistently reported, it generally mirrors the air temperature trends, reaching its warmest in mid-to-late summer.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Experiencing the A.E. Vickery means confronting its unique current dynamics, as a strong surface current is frequently encountered. Divers typically follow a buoy line to a shallow shoal head, around 7 to 9 meters of water, before continuing their descent to the wreck. The schooner itself generally begins in the recreational depth range, with deeper sections extending towards its maximum depth. Visibility at the site is often reported around 7 to 8 meters, and can sometimes improve with stronger currents. Although thermoclines are not consistently reported, divers should anticipate varying water temperatures, especially at greater depths. Due to active boat traffic in the shipping channel overhead, meticulous ascent planning is crucial, often necessitating controlled drift ascents.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
For those planning an A.E. Vickery dive, expert tips emphasize thorough preparation. The site is rated for advanced divers due to its depth and the strong, often unpredictable surface current. Being located on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River, strict customs procedures are in place; a passport is mandatory, and group leaders typically need to submit customs information at least one week prior to each dive trip. Surface support is crucial given the active shipping channel directly above the wreck, meaning direct vertical ascents are not advised. Divers should always carry an SMB and be proficient in deploying it. Penetrating the wreck's interior is an option for appropriately certified divers, but should only be attempted with proper training and equipment for overhead environments.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Because recent water temperature readings are not available for A.E. Vickery, the guidance below is based mainly on current air conditions and seasonal expectations. Current surface air temperatures are roughly 10°C (49°F).
Longer-range forecasts show some uncertainty in upcoming temperature trends. Cooler days are ahead; you might want a warmer option for later in the week. A neoprene vest or hood can add flexibility if temperatures feel cooler underwater.
Based on regional estimates and current weather, the likely required exposure protection is a thicker wetsuit or drysuit. Note that local currents and upwellings can alter this. Strong cold advisory: dress warmly immediately after exiting the water. Some divers naturally tolerate cooler water better than others. Surface intervals may feel noticeably cooler once you exit the water.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at A.E. Vickery
While the A.E. Vickery shipwreck is the primary attraction, specific highlights of marine life are not consistently reported for this particular site. The St. Lawrence River, as a freshwater environment, does support various species, yet divers at this wreck typically focus on the historical structure of the schooner itself. Limited available data means the impressive and largely intact wreck remains the undisputed star of the dive, offering a unique opportunity for underwater exploration rather than extensive marine observation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wreck is the A.E. Vickery?
The A.E. Vickery is a wooden, three-masted schooner built in 1861. Originally named J.B. Penfold, it was renamed in 1884 and sank in the St. Lawrence River in 1889 after striking a shoal.
What is the typical depth range for diving the A.E. Vickery?
The A.E. Vickery wreck site spans a wide range, from its shallowest points near the shoal head around 9 meters, down to a maximum depth of 38 m (125 ft) at the hull. Divers can navigate from these shallower sections to deeper parts of the wreck, exploring its full vertical extent.
What are the current conditions like at the A.E. Vickery site?
Divers often encounter a strong surface current at this site. Although currents can vary, they are a consistent factor that advanced divers must be prepared to manage throughout the dive.
What certification level is recommended for this dive?
The A.E. Vickery dive is considered an advanced certification wreck dive. Its depth and currents necessitate experience beyond entry-level certifications.
Are there any special entry requirements for diving the A.E. Vickery?
Yes, as the site is on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence River, a passport is required for entry into the U.S. Additionally, dive group leaders typically need to submit customs information at least one week prior to the dive trip.
What are the main features of the A.E. Vickery wreck?
The wreck is notable for being upright and relatively intact, unlike many other river wrecks. Divers can explore its spacious holds, and intact bow and stern sections, following guide lines from the mooring point.
Is wreck penetration allowed or possible?
Wreck penetration is possible for divers who are appropriately certified for overhead environments. The wreck's holds allow for swimming its length inside for trained and equipped individuals.
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