Sixty years ago, on September 5, 1964, the Canadian bulk carrier Leecliffe Hall sank in the St. Lawrence River following a tragic collision near Cap-aux-Oies, Quebec. The accident claimed the lives of three courageous mariners, all members of the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU Canada): Guy Descheneaux (Second Engineer), Michaël Modrak (Chief Cook), and Jean-Louis Desjardins (Helmsman).
This tragedy left a lasting impact on the Canadian maritime community and serves as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by seafarers every day on the job.
The Leecliffe Hall, owned by Hall Corporation of Montreal, was a state-of-the-art 730-foot bulk carrier, built in 1961 to operate on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. On the day of the accident, the vessel was en route from Sept-Îles, Quebec, to Lackawanna, New York, carrying over 24,000 tonnes of iron ore.
While navigating the St. Lawrence in heavy fog, the Leecliffe Hall collided with the Greek cargo ship Apollonia. Despite desperate efforts by the crew and a rescue attempt by nearby vessels, including the tug Foundation Vibert, the damage was too severe. The ship began to flood and ultimately sank just after 10:00 p.m., dragging a lifeboat with three returning crew members. These were the same men who had safely evacuated earlier but voluntarily returned to assist in rescue operations.
Three SIU Canada members—Descheneaux, Modrak, and Desjardins—were lost in the sinking.
A formal investigation later found that both vessels were navigating at unsafe speeds in poor visibility and failed to fully utilize the navigational tools available. However, the efforts of the Leecliffe Hall crew, the Apollonia, and the Foundation Vibert were praised for their attempts to save lives and the vessel itself.
To mark the 60th anniversary of this tragic event, which took place on September 5, 2024, the family of Jean-Louis Desjardins has shared the following message of remembrance and gratitude:
Sixty years ago, the Leecliffe Hall disappeared into the waters of the St. Lawrence River, taking with it three courageous mariners: Guy Descheneaux, Michaël Modrak, and our father, Jean-Louis Desjardins. This tragic event left an indelible mark on our hearts, forever changing the lives of our families and all those who were affected by the disaster.
A Memory That Lives On
On this 60th anniversary, we want to express our deep gratitude to all those who have helped preserve the memory of these men and deepen our understanding of this maritime tragedy. Your efforts to tell this story and honour the memory of our loved ones have not only kept their legacy alive but have also brought comfort and support to our families.
Our Thanks to Our Allies
As we reflect on this day of remembrance, we honour the sacrifice and devotion of these sailors. Their story lives on through our telling, through our commemorations, and through the efforts of those who, like you, work to preserve our maritime heritage.
Our Digital Commitment
Our family has also created a lasting digital presence for our father, Jean-Louis Desjardins. You can visit his https://www.facebook.com/jean.louis.desjardins.2024/ , which includes newspaper articles, family photos, and the full story of the sinking written by Hubert Desgagnés.
To all who contributed to this mission of memory: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support, commitment, and compassion have been guiding lights in a sea of grief and remembrance.
With love,
Line, Renée, and Jasmine Desjardins
In addition to commemorative efforts in 2017 and 2019, the Leecliffe Hall has been revisited by diving teams and remembered by historians, journalists, and families alike. The monument created in 2017 with the support of SIU Canada stands as a permanent reminder of the lives lost and the dedication of Canadian seafarers.
As we reflect on this recently passed anniversary, SIU Canada recommits to remembering our fallen members, supporting their families, and working to ensure safety for all mariners navigating Canadian waters.
Let us never forget Guy Descheneaux, Michaël Modrak, and Jean-Louis Desjardins—three union brothers who gave everything on the job.
