Descending on an Upside‑Down Freighter: The Henry C. Daryaw Wreck off Brockville

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.

Duration
2 hours / 4 hours / 8 hours
Location
Hammond
Operator
Freedom Scuba USA
Category
Scuba
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WRECK

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.

THE LOCATION

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.

THE OPERATIONS

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.

1
Advanced recreational diversWell suited: the wreck’s inverted profile and 90‑foot depth make it appropriate for divers with solid deep‑wreck planning and certification.
2
Small public dive teamsAppropriate: public dives are organized but limited to six participants, so teams should expect small, managed groups.
3
International visitorsPrepare in advance: some public dives require a Canadian passport for entry to the operational area, so check identity requirements before booking.
4
First‑time wreck diversCaution advised: the depth and inverted nature of the wreck mean this site is not ideal for beginners without appropriate training and experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Trips are offered in 2‑, 4‑ or 8‑hour durations; choose the length that matches your dive plan and surface interval needs.

What to Bring

All divers must present a Certification Card from a recognized certifying agency and bring their necessary dive equipment; keep additional gear to a minimum.

Meeting Point & Logistics

Meet at Freedom USA Scuba, 71 Schermerhorn Landing Rd, Hammond, NY 13646 for briefing and embarkation.

Booking Notice

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.