Robert Gaskin

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Originally a three masted wooden barque she was launched at Kingston, Ontario on April 21, 1863 as a 132.6 ft. x 26.3 ft. x 11.3 ft. with a cargo capacity of 20,000 bushels. In 1889 the Gaskin was being used as a salvage barge to help salvage the railroad ferry Armstrong that had sunk. During this process the Gaskin had been sunk three times, with the third time being the final time. A large anchor is located off the bow towards shore about 40 ft. from the Gaskin and adds to the site.

Almost a must for visiting divers, the Robert Gaskin sits a half mile downstream from the Brockville waterfront and river focal point, Blockhouse Island” and lies perpendicular to the current at a 55 ft. depth at the bow, and 70 ft. at the stern which sticks out towards the channel and shipping lane. The upstream shipping channel is very close to the stern and caution is advised.

 Dive site description
 Object description
 Lake / river  St. Lawrence River  Official name  Robert Gaskin
 GPS Coordinates  N44 35.3580
W75 40.6250
 Also known as  –
 Access  Boat  Type  Barque, three-masted
 Description  Shipwreck  Material  Wood
 Min. / max. depth  55-65 ft  Propulsion  Sail
 Visibility  20-40 ft +  Cargo  n/a
 Current  Mild  Built by / at  n/a
 Level  Intermediate  Built / lauch date  April 21st, 1863
 Thermocline  No  Sunk / flooded  September 18th, 1889
 Bottom type  Silt  Dimensions  132 ft x 26 ft 11ft
 Boat traffic  Heavy  Position  Upright
 Hazards  Silt disturbance