Roy A. Jodrey (United States)

The Jodrey is one of the most impressive and beautiful wrecks in the Great Lakes region. Located in the Thousand Islands area of Ontario, approximately in line with the city of Rockport. The Roy A. Jodrey has a total length of 641 feet (194 meters) and lies at the bottom of the St-Lawrence seaway at a depth of 240 feet (72 meters).

History
This ship was a full size lake freighter and a self-loader. It was built in 1965 for a Canadian company named Algoma Central Railway. She was named after its director Mr. Roy A. Jodrey.

In November 1972, the ship was bound for Detroit with 20,000 tons of iron ore in her hold. She ground herself on Pullman shoal, 800 yards off the coast guard station. Captain Hugh McDowell tried to beach his vessel. It sank in less than five (5) hours, but fortunately, all 29 crew members were safe, having abandoned ship.

Diving the Jodrey

When first descending into the wreck, the wall that she sits below drops off almost vertically from 5 feet to more than 230 feet. Upon reaching the wreck, the first thing that comes to into view is the bow railing, the wheel house and the ship mast at about 150 feet. As you descend, you reach the main deck between 180 feet and 200 feet. It should also be noted that the wreck sits on a 40 to 45 degree list on its starboard side.

You may travel along the port railing and will eventually reach the stern, 600 ft further at an average depth of 210 feet. When coming back, you are likely to experience a cross current of 3 to 4 knots. As for the bow section, the current is rarely over 1 or 2 knots.

The visibility in the Thousand Islands is excellent due to the proliferation of the Zebra mussels. Visibility can reach up to 80 ft with a minimum of 25 ft.

Water temperature varies between 50F and 75F (10C to 23 C) from June to October. Since the St-Lawrence seaway has a continuous flow, the water temperature is the same at the surface and at depth. There is no thermocline.