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Photographer:
Keith W. Churill |
In June of 1972, heading up bound, the
SIDNEY E. SMITH, JR. lost control turning sideways in the strong currents
near the head of the St. Clair River. She was struck by the southbound
freighter PARKER EVANS. A hole in the bow caused her to sink quickly with no
loss of life.. At the time of her loss she was carrying no cargo. All of
the wreckage was been removed except for the boom. Built in 1906, hull
#161, by Detroit Shipbuilding, Wyandotte as a 480 ft. steel bulk freighter,
she was later converted to a self-unloader in 1933 at Manitowoc, WI. First
named as the W.K.BIXBY, she was renamed the J.L.REIS in 1920 and received
her last name in 1972 (the year she was lost). The salvaged hull is now used
as a shore barrier in Sarnia, Ont. The self-unloader boom is currently in 50
ft. of water approx. 100 ft. off the U.S. shoreline 100 yds. South of the
Blue Water Bridge.
 To reach
the boom, entry
is suggested near the second parking area South of the bridge. Head
out approx. 100 yds. and head downstream. The boom lies at a depth of 50
- 55ft., just North of the TREMBLE & Range Marker, approx. 100 ft.
offshore. Along with the boom lye a few large grindstones apparently fallen
from another vessel.
Photographs
Top
Left: Her salvaged hull being
used as a shore barrier in Sarnia, ONT Left:
End of self-unloader boom
covered with zebra mussels.
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The
Dive Sites listed below are high risk dive sites. The river current here
is rather strong at (6-8 knots), surging at times and turbulent near the
wreck's, it can be disorientating. During the summer months there is much
boat traffic along with the occasional Freighter (Ship), because of this,
surfacing anyplace other than the shoreline can be hazardous. Do not
hesitate to abort a dive! Please consult
a local Dive Shop and/or other Divers familiar with the area before
attempting to dive any of these sites. Dive at your own risk.
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