W C Richardson (Wreck) - Ontario Great Lakes

The W.C. Richardson, sitting in just 12 metres of water, is easily our favourite entry-level wreck in the Great Lakes. You don't need advanced certs or serious cold-water gear to appreciate this one. She’s a timber freighter that went down in 1909, and you can still feel that history as you glide over her collapsed bow and the distinctive outline of her stern. We love poking around the remnants of the deck machinery, imagining the crew working it over a century ago. The visibility here is usually pretty good for the lakes, often reaching 10-15 metres, so you get a clear view of the entire wreck settling into the silty bottom. It’s shallow enough that light penetrates well, illuminating the structure, and it’s a brilliant site for photography. Look closely among the rotting timbers and you’ll find plenty of freshwater gobies and crayfish, along with the occasional perch darting through the shadows. We always tell new divers to take their time here, exploring the spread of the cargo hold and identifying the different pieces of the ship. It’s not a deep, dark penetration dive, but a gentle exploration into a piece of maritime history. Perfect for those getting their first taste of wreck diving.

Location

Ontario Great Lakes, Canada, North America

Coordinates

42.864700, -78.901300

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

12m

Difficulty

Beginner