HAMMOND SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Descending on an Upside‑Down Freighter: The Henry C. Daryaw Wreck off Brockville
A focused guide to diving the 220‑foot Henry C. Daryaw—an inverted steel freighter sitting at about 90 feet—compiled for public dive teams and operators.
Descending on an Upside‑Down Freighter: The Henry C. Daryaw Wreck off Brockville.
Adventure brief
Descending on an Upside‑Down Freighter: The Henry C. Daryaw Wreck off Brockville
The Henry C. Daryaw is a 220‑foot steel freighter that struck a shoal in 1941, flipped as she went down and now rests upside down beside the channel wall with the deepest part at about 90 feet. The wreck lies roughly 6 miles west of Brockville, Ontario and about a quarter‑mile from shore, its exact position recorded by GPS for visiting dive teams.
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.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and primary stops
Key stops on the outing, from meeting to the wreck GPS position.
Freedom USA Scuba — Hammond
Rendezvous and briefing at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 before embarkation.
Transit to the Daryaw
Boat transit to the recorded shipwreck location about 6 miles west of Brockville and roughly 1/4 mile from shore; the wreck's GPS coordinates are provided for navigation.
Dive on the Henry C. Daryaw
In‑water visit to the upside‑down freighter lying beside the channel wall; the hull’s deepest section reaches about 90 feet.
This wreck reaches about 90 feet at its deepest point; divers must be certified and the operator runs public dives with a six‑person capacity and identity requirements that may include passport checks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An inverted 220‑foot steel freighter at 90 feet
The Daryaw flipped while sinking and now lies upside down next to the channel wall; the wreck’s deepest section is at about 90 feet, offering a compact, historically compelling target for certified divers.
Close to Brockville, tightly sited by the channel
Situated roughly 6 miles west of Brockville and approximately a quarter‑mile from shore, the Daryaw sits near navigation channels—its position is known and recorded for operator runs to the site.
Public dives with firm limits and identity requirements
These are organized public dives with an operator limit of six participants and specific entry requirements; trips are run by Freedom Scuba USA from their Hammond launch point.
What the day feels like
What the dive feels like
This is a focused wreck dive: teams travel from Hammond to the well‑known GPS location, descend to inspect a steel freighter lying inverted on the lake bottom and conduct an in‑water visit around a compact but historically intact hull that sits with its deepest point near 90 feet.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips are offered in 2‑, 4‑ or 8‑hour durations; choose the length that matches your dive plan and surface interval needs.
All divers must present a Certification Card from a recognized certifying agency and bring their necessary dive equipment; keep additional gear to a minimum.
Meet at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 for briefing and embarkation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the trips?
Trips are offered in 2‑, 4‑ and 8‑hour durations.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 for briefing and departure.
What certification do I need?
All divers must show a Certification Card from a recognized certifying agency to participate.
Are there participant limits or ID requirements?
Public dives are limited to six participants and may require a Canadian passport for entry to certain operations.
How deep is the Henry C. Daryaw?
The wreck’s deepest section is at about 90 feet; the vessel lies upside down beside the channel wall.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:22.776Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.