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The King Horn also known as the Edith Cirtwell (and sometimes the Eliza Cirtwell (Surwell)) and also the Sophia (which actually lies nearby) lies near Boldt Castle and Alexandria Bay in 88 feet of water directly in front of the Rockport, Canadian Customs Dock. It’s in Canadian waters, so be sure to check in with Rockport Customs, as you are only a couple hundred yards directly in front of their dock. Your vessel with American registration numbers will be very hard for them not to notice. Recreational and tour boat traffic can be moderately heavy at this site, so be sure to use a flag, and surface at your boat.
The Eliza Cirtwell was a grain carrier which sunk in the Rockport area in 1883. The King Horn was built in 1871 and sunk in 1897. The wreck is a wooden vessel sheathed in steel 133 feet long well intact considering it’s location and popularity. Please do not take any artifacts from any wreck, preserve the living museum for others to enjoy as you have. The artifacts on this wreck have been planted there for your enjoyment, (read not genuine, no value anyway).
The King Horn/Edith Cirtwell is a popular boat dive site. A good wreck for any certified diver comfortable with doing a boat dive to 90 feet. A mild to medium current over the wreck maintains the visibility to be pretty good to excellent. As with all wreck sites, if you can be the first one down in the morning, you’ll have the clearest visibility. The pictures on this page were taken the after 2 days of rain, mid afternoon, in early August. The water temperature was 75F, and the air temp was 87.
As you descend the anchor line, the King Horn quickly comes into view showing her open holds and wooden deck. On the foredeck you will see the pump, winch, chain and anchor. The wreck is easily penetrated and visibility is generally good. As you wander through her interior and back up to the deck, you will find the ship’s wheel at the stern.
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