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