6 replies to this topic

[shadragon]

From "She who knows all..."

To dive in Quebec requires a FQAS (Quebec Provincial Recreational Dive Authority) diving permit ($15). The pass is a 30-day thing for visitors.

For Empress charters, you should contact either Simon Pelletier (www.diveteck.com) or J.P. Bouillant (PM me for the email), I don't know if that email is still current, it was the last one I had). Simon took over charter service from Dany St-Cyr and uses a rib, JP uses a small hard boat.

By the way, it is not the same Simon... The Empress is not beyond recreational limits with it being 140 to the mud. However the water temp is 34F and there are strong currents and limited vis at times. This should only be attempted by very advanced divers. Especially if doing penetrations. Cannot stress that enough. This wreck has claimed multiple lives and as it ages that will not get any better.

Photos of the E.O.I. - 2006

Empress PDF

Dive Charter

Dive Report

[ScubaGypsy]

Nice info, I haven't heard much about folks diving it recently. Though it is significantly shallower than the Doria, I read that the conditions (low viz, strong currents, ship orientation, low temps) make it an extreme dive.

My understanding is that the water is brackish in this part of the Saint Lawrence and that there is high tidal action. One story that I heard last summer is that there are a pair of resident seals that frequent the wreck.

[shadragon]

All true. The ship is on a 45 degree angle so the decks are slanted just enough to disorient you. Makes it a wild place when the currents run.

[BubbleBoy]

My understanding is that the water is brackish .

I was curious about that too. Given the type of marine life that inhabits this wreck, it must be. Seems amazing there is so much old wood on her that is still intact. Definitely sounds like a challenging wreck to dive. Kind of like what we did in the 1000 Islands a few weeks back to the third power.

Edited by BubbleBoy, 11 August 2008 - 11:02 AM.

[VADiver]

Thanks for the info...I'll have to bring it up with my buddies and see if they are game. Then I'll contact the local shops you listed and see if 21/35 and 50% is available. Thanks,

[Diverbrian]

I would like to dive this wreck myself. I need to get back into "diving condition". I have access to tri-mix to bring up there as I make my own.

I still need to do some work-up dives, but I may become very interested after that.

[PerroneFord]

This is one of those dives I promised myself... I really need to get my Normoxic class done.