In Lake Champlain, 100 feet down in the dark and chilly waters of Shelburne Bay, the U.S. La Vallee tugboat sits upright and in nearly perfect condition. Aside from the windows, blown out from air pressure upon the boat’s sinking 80-plus years ago, it is completely intact, with its original paint and a readable steel plaque that lists details about its unique steam-powered engine.
Chris Sabick, archaeological director at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Ferrisburgh, dove on the shipwreck after it was found in 1996.