The Cora W Post Brick Barge is a freshwater dive accessible from the shore on Howe Island in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, near the lighthouse and across from Wolfe Island. She sits in 36-40 feet (11-12 m) of water on the mud bottom of Lake Ontario, making it a good dive for recreational divers.
The Cora W Post was a two-masted schooner barge carrying about 15,000 bricks. The schooner measured 40.0 x 12.2 x 4.7 feet. According to all reports, the Cora W Post had no visible signal lights when she was involved in a collision and sank quickly in August 1891. There was no loss of lives.
When you arrive at the wreck, you will notice that the Cora Post’s cargo of bricks has caused it to gradually sink into Lake Ontario’s mud bottom. There is still a small portion of the mast and what appears to be the remains of a stove visible in the centre of the boat. The wreck usually has some fish for the underwater photographer to photograph. If you want to keep diving, there are holes nearby that drop to 130 feet, and you’ll be deeper in the St Lawrence River as you head south.
As a side note, there are trucks and cars underwater in the area as a result of blotched attempted ice crossings that were common in the winter months. Historically, Kingston was a commonwealth pilot training centre. According to legend, at the end of WWII, a flight plane crashed on the ice. After the ice melted, the plane sank and was never found.
Dive Report
The maximum depth is 36-40 feet / 11-12 meters. The average visibility is 16-20 feet (5-6 meters). Entering through the white light beacon, swim SE and look for a line that will take you to the wreck. The wreck has sunk into the mud, but the bricks can still be seen. Swim south down the bank to reach 120 feet of water. You must take the pay ferry across to Howe Island.
Chris Haslip
Thanks to Chris Haslip for his video and information.
