Is wreck diving suitable for beginners?

Wreck diving generally requires specific training and experience; beginners should undertake a wreck diving course before exploring sites like Henry C. Daryaw.

Do I need special equipment for wreck dives?

Yes, minimal specialized gear such as reels, lights, and surface markers are recommended for safety and navigation.

Can I see marine life at the wreck?

Absolutely, the wreck hosts diverse marine species, including small fish, crustaceans, and sometimes larger fish or marine mammals.

Are dives suitable in all weather conditions?

Weather impacts visibility and safety; calm, clear days are optimal for wreck dives.

What is the best time of year to dive the wreck?

Summer months generally offer the best visibility and warmer water for comfortable diving.

How deep is the Henry C. Daryaw wreck?

The wreck rests in about 90 feet of water, making it accessible for advanced open water divers.

Henry C. Daryaw | Scuba in Hammond |

Brockville, Ontario, is a hub of maritime history and vibrant aquatic adventures. Among its most captivating sites is the wreck of the Henry C. Daryaw, a 220-foot steel freight ship that sank in 1941 during tumultuous waters of the St. Lawrence River. This wreck, resting upside down in 90 feet of water, offers seasoned divers a rare glimpse into wartime shipping history. The site’s iron hull and structural remains tell stories of the past, with marine life gradually reclaiming the vessel, creating a haunting yet fascinating underwater tableau. Freedom Scuba USA has established itself as the go-to operator, offering expertly guided dives that combine educational insight with safety. Their team provides the necessary gear and transfer, ensuring divers of all skill levels can safely uncover this submerged relic. The wreck’s location offers stunning visibility, especially during calm weather, making each dive an immersive experience. Given the site's historical significance and marine biodiversity, it's a must-visit for both history buffs and underwater photographers. What makes this site especially unique is its accessibility for advanced divers seeking a puzzle piece of maritime warfare history, while also serving as an ideal practice dive for those honing wreck diving skills. Whether you're exploring the ship’s decks or floating above, the serenity of the underwater world and the whisper of history combined create a compelling adventure that’s hard to forget. Dive operators like Freedom Scuba USA foster a community of passionate divers, making each expedition not just a dive but an educational journey through local history and underwater ecosystems.

Difficulty

challenging.

Duration

1–2 hours per dive.

Fitness level

Diver should be in good physical condition, capable of managing gear and underwater navigation

Wildlife

Small reef fish
Crustaceans

History

The Henry C. Daryaw was a British-registered cargo ship that sank during World War II while carrying war materials and supplies.

Conservation

Efforts are in place to preserve the wreck and its surrounding marine environment, promoting sustainable wreck diving practices.

Freedom Scuba USA is a dive operator based in Hammond, New York, specializing in charters to historic shipwrecks on the St. Lawrence River. The company organizes private charters that explore notable wrecks such as the S.S. Keystorm and the A.E. Vickery, offering dives in depths ranging from 60 to 115 feet. These private trips present underwater landscapes, maritime artifacts, and the experience of navigating river currents. Freedom Scuba USA also runs a dedicated trip to the Henry C. Daryaw, a 220-foot steel freighter that sank in 1941. The Henry C. Daryaw rests upside down off the shores of Brockville, Ontario, in approximately 90 feet of water, providing a distinctive historical dive site. Public charters operate from Hammond into U.S. waters of the St. Lawrence River, visiting wrecks such as the A.E. Vickery and The American. Public trips can offer visibility up to 25 feet and opportunities to see large fish native to the river. Trips are described as suitable for divers of all levels on select charters, enabling a range of experience from recreational wreck exploration to deeper site visits. Freedom Scuba USA focuses on providing access to documented shipwreck sites and structured charter options from its Hammond launch point. Information about departure location, target wrecks, typical depths, and visibility helps divers plan dives. The operator’s offerings emphasize historical wreck exploration, regional navigation, and practical access to St. Lawrence River dive sites. Schedules and site descriptions are provided for each charter to help divers prepare appropriately with equipment before arrival.

Base locationHammond, New York

Tours offered3+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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