The Kolkhosnik shipwreck, known by the locals in Nova Scotia as “The Russian” was a 364-foot long Russian steel freighter carrying war supplies consisting of ammunition, tanks, and jeeps which sank on January 17, 1942, after striking Smithson Rock off Sambo Island. She was en route to join a convoy in Halifax, but her ultimate destination was Russia with her cargo to assist the war effect.
Built-in 1926 by Readhead John & Sons Ltd., South Shields Newcastle and owned by the Government of Russia, Kolkhosnik had 3880 of Gross Registry Tonnage (GRT) and cruised with steam power at about 10 knots.
She sits down on a rocky bottom in 140 feet of water. At the bow, the wreck can be reached at around 120 feet, and slopes to 140 feet running to the stern along the length of the wreck. Tanks are scattered near the section of the bow, but otherwise, the wreck is mostly flattened out with a semi-intact steam engine and two boilers. Due to the depth of this wreck, it is considered an advanced dive.
Thanks to Harvey Morash of Louisborough Scuba Services for the Kolkhosnik video.
