Bad Weather Spoils Underwater Expedition to the Empress

The poor weather and rain that has plagued the Northeast of the USA was readily apparent up in Rimouski, Quebec where our diving to the Empress of Ireland was severely curtailed. The amount of dives that we were able to get in were around 30% of our projected schedule. Undeterred, we were able to get a few notable dives to various areas of the ship that included the complete bow section of the wreck site, a visit to the anchors and ship name, a tour of the forecastle and cargo holds and penetration to the first and second class dining areas. The visibility was horrible as we averaged between 4 -10 feet all week and there was very little ambient light coming down to the wreck site - which made it pitch black. The best visibility on the wreck was when we penetrated her dining room and social room compartments.  Due to the bad weather, ripping currents and limited visibility, we were unable to do much photography or video on the wreck. This was our most devastating aspect of the entire expedition as the purpose of the expedition was to catalogue and chronicle the deterioration of the ship.  Unfazed by this year's lack of success, I am even more excited to be leading a group out next year to mark my twentieth year of diving on this famed Lost Liner.