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Monarch (Wreck)

The Monarch is a truly humbling dive. She’s a huge wooden freighter, sitting upright in about 40 metres of fresh water. When you descend, the sheer size of her bow looming out of the gloom is genuinely impressive. We love tracing the deck, noting the old anchor chains still lying there, and imagining the crew at work. The visibility varies, of course, but even on a slightly murkier day, the way the light filters through the water around the superstructure gives it a proper ghostly feel. What really makes the Monarch special is the way the lake has reclaimed her. We've seen fat lake trout hanging in the shadows of the cargo holds, and schools of smaller fish like alewife and shiner darting through the broken railings. It’s a cold dive, so drysuits are essential, but the preservation of the wood in fresh water is astonishing. You can still make out the grain on some of the timbers. Our favourite part is peeking into the aft section, where the stern cabin used to be. It’s tight, but the sense of history is palpable. This wreck is perfect for experienced divers who appreciate maritime history and a good, deep exploration.