Dive Into History

in Lake George, New York

On Lake George you have a unique opportunity to dive the oldest fully intact warship in the northern hemisphere. The Land Tortoise is a radeau, a floating cannon battery dating from the French and Indian War (radeau is French for "raft"). It was found in 1990 by Beateaux Below, Inc., a group dedicated to preservation of historical underwater wrecks.

The Land Tortoise was scuttled October 22, 1758. The British deliberately sunk their ships for cold storage through the winter in 20 or 30 feet of water by weighting them with ballast (rock). This kept them safe from the harsh winters and the marauding French.

The radeau's dimensions are 52 feet long and 18 feet wide. It has 7 cannon ports but the cannons were removed before the ship was scuttled. The cannon ports on opposite sides are offset from each other to avoid interference during recoil. It was powered by sails and by 26 long oars, but the mast and oars are missing. The design is unique with 7 sides and angled walls to protect the soldiers aboard from incoming projectiles.

It's in 107 feet of water. You should bring a light because the visibility is poor. The temperature quoted by the State Heritage Preserve is 35 to 45 degrees. In August the temperature was 40 degrees.

Some of you are probably wondering why the scuttled ship is in 107 feet of water after I just wrote that the British scuttled their ships in 20 or 30 feet of water. I really don't know the answer but I do have a theory: someone screwed up by putting too much ballast in the forward or aft section which made it sink slowly in a diagonal descending motion into the deeper end of the lake. But your guess is as good as mine.

You will need a boat and a permit to dive the Land Tortoise. In 1997 it will be open for diving from June 7 through September 1. Divers must register at the ticket booth for the Lake George Beach prior to diving this site.They will be assigned a diving time and receive a site map. Reservations can be made by calling (518) 668-3352.

The Land Tortoise is the only historical preserve on Lake George for which you need a permit. Be sure you have your permit and dive flag because the area is patrolled!

The site can be found just northeast of Tea Island. It is marked by a buoy.

For more information visit the Lake George Historical Society. They have various books on the history and known wrecks in the lake. Shipwreck Weekend in Lake George will also feature some of the wrecks in that region.