Empress of Ireland 2003 Expedition

This year Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions is proud to announce two trips

to the famed passenger liner, Empress of Ireland .


   

Join us in a fascinating journey through history as we explore the haunted remains of one of the greatest luxury liners to sail upon the St. Lawrence River.  Over 1012 people lost their lives in 14 minutes in a disaster that has become one of the greatest in maritime history.

We are offering two trips this year, departing from Rimouski, Quebec.

June 22-24, 2003

June 26-28, 2003

For those who can endure the rigors of 7 consecutive days of diving, we are offering a special for the entire week:

June 22-28, 2003

Resting in 140 feet of cold, tubulent salt water in the Saint Lawrence Seaway, this wreck is only for the experienced.  The Empress of Ireland sank following a collision in fog with the Storstad  in June 1914.  She sank in fourteen minutes, taking 1012 people to their deaths.  The sinking of the Empress is the third worst disaster at sea in history, third only to the Titanic and Lusitania tragedies.  Despite the depth, this wreck  is considered a technical dive.  All divers participating in this trip should be prepared to make dives in cold, dark, turbulent water in strong currents. 



The Storstad survived the collision, with serious damage to the vessel and was held accountable in a court of inquiry.



There was not much opportunity to escape for the passengers of the Empress of Ireland


Diving the Empress of Ireland:



          

Our two trips will run at the end of June and will depart from Rimouski, in the Candadian province of Quebec. 

Visibility at this time ranges from 5-15 feet and water temperature is 38-41 degrees Farenheit.  Currents are typically strong this time of year and can range from 0-3 knots or more.

Dives will be conducted  from a 27' CristCraft, complete with a christmas-tree style ladder, swim platform and marine head.  Each day we will depart for the Empress based on tidal schedules (times will vary).  Weather and conditions permitting, two dives will be made each day.

For more information of the history and diving of the wreck visit the Empress of Ireland web site or
the SeaView Imaging site about the Empress.

Expedition Fees and Policies

For the following dates, the price for each expedition is $500 USD

June 22-24, 2003

June 26-28, 2003

For divers wishing to dive the entire 7 days:

June 22-28, 2003

$1000 USD per diver (one day included free)

A deposit of $250 USD is due upon reservation for each 3-day trip.

A deposit of $500 USD is due upon reservation for the 7-day trip.

All unpaid balances are due by May 1, 2003.

For cancellations prior to May 1, 2003, the deposit is forfeited.

For cancellations after May 1, 2003, there are no refunds.

Air or nitrox fills will be available for $7 per tank (air) or $14 (nitrox).  Argon can be obtained at a local dive store only and advance notice must be provided.

A 50% refund will be issued for a complete cancellation due to weather.  Refunds will not be issued on a per diem cancellation basis.

Divers meeting criterion for participation will be required to fill out "Diver Data Sheets" in addition to returning notarized liability release waivers.  All divers must have DAN accident insurance or equivalent.  Divers must hold Extended Range/Decompression Procedures certifications or equivalent.

Accomodations:

We recommend the Hotel L'Empress for local accommodations.  It is the closest to the marina and both breakfast and lunch can be obtained in the hotel restaurant.  This is a very nice hotel and an ideal place to stay.

The price for a double occupancy room is $59.00 CDN per night (This is about $43.00 USD).  It is highly suggested that you secure your reservations about two to three months in advance if you want to have your choosing.  Many other hotels, motels and Bed & Breakfast establishments are available at various rates and distances to the marina.  English is NOT readily spoken.  Be VERY clear and patient when making reservations.

For reservations at Hotel L'Empress call: 1-888-724-6944

For a complete list of accommodations, contact us directly or visit the Rimouski tourist accommodation information site.

Currency and Customs:

The trip departs from Rimouski, located the Canadian provice of Quebec.   At  present time (Fall 2002), the US dollar is valued at approximately $0.66 USD = 1 Canadian dollar (this is good for us).  These rates can flucuate but one can assume the dollar is worth about 1.5 times more than a CDN.

The primary language is French, most (but not all) people speak varying degrees of English.

You will have to cross the US-Canadian border.  Have your driver's license and if possible, a US passport. 

Driving directions to Rimouski will be available.

Reservations can be made exclusively through:

Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc.

Contact:

Capt Heather Knowles or Capt David Caldwell at

617-480-5261 or
charters@northernatlanticdive.com