Archeology
History of the dive
Getting to the site
Locating the site
Mechanics and plumbing
Preparations
Social aspects
Winter work
Glossary
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The Dive for the P.S. Lady Sherbrooke
The idea to undertake a dive to recover a steamship from the line of John Molson was first introduced by the Comité d'histoire et d'archéologie subaquatique du Québec in 1982. During the next summer sonar was used to map a section of the St-Lawrence River. An irregularity signalled that something rested in the shallow waters off Ile Charron.
As with any underwater archeological expedition careful planning and exacting execution were required to ensure the success of this project. Rather basic tasks including the mechanics of raising objects to the surface through a pumping mechanism required several revisions to perfect the equipment essential to the recovery of artefacts.
Following the initial challenge of actually finding the site every campaign required transporting the research vessel and equipment to the location as well as the preparations of both the research ship and the site. Although unusual it was felt that a winter dive was required to map out the site. To share the information gathered on an ongoing basis, and to show appreciation for the organizations that funded the project, social activities were organized.
