IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Unidentified Sloop Type Hull

•Type: Sloop (single-masted wooden vessel)

•Location: Near the bubbler off Kerr Point, Amherst Island, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Approximate; discovered during surveys for windmill installation

•Discovery: Located by Hydrographic Services

•Depth: Not specified; presumed shallow waters near infrastructure site

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Unidentified Sloop Hull is believed to be a wooden sloop, a versatile single-masted vessel commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries on the Great Lakes. Known for their speed and agility, sloops were often used for fishing, small-scale cargo transport, and passenger movement. Featuring a fore-and-aft rig, these vessels were staples of local trade and coastal navigation.

HISTORY

Role of Sloops on the Great Lakes

Sloops were critical to the development of maritime commerce on Lake Ontario. These smaller vessels allowed for the efficient movement of goods such as fish, lumber, and grain, and provided vital transportation links between islands and mainland ports. Amherst Island, historically a hub of trade and agriculture, saw frequent activity by sloops like the one discovered near Kerr Point.

Discovery

The Hull was discovered during hydrographic surveys conducted in preparation for a windmill installation project off Kerr Point. The cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario have likely preserved the wooden remains, offering a rare opportunity to study a potentially historic vessel.

The Vessel’s Final Days

The circumstances leading to the sloop’s sinking or abandonment remain unknown. Possibilities include:

•Storm Damage: Severe weather was a constant threat to small wooden vessels on the Great Lakes.

•Collision or Grounding: Navigational hazards, such as rocks or other vessels, could have caused irreparable damage.

•Obsolescence: By the early 20th century, larger, mechanized vessels made smaller sloops less practical, leading to abandonment.

Amherst Island’s busy maritime history suggests the sloop may have been tied to local trade or fishing operations before meeting its fate.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The sloop lies submerged and undisturbed near Kerr Point, preserved by Lake Ontario’s cold freshwater environment. Despite its proximity to modern infrastructure, the wreck remains a mystery. Its location and condition suggest it has been underwater for decades, possibly over a century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories have been issued for the wreck. However, vessels operating in the area should exercise caution due to its proximity to windmill installation sites and submerged hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovery: During hydrographic surveys for a windmill installation near Kerr Point, Amherst Island.

•Date: Exact date of discovery is not provided.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: Likely partially intact with visible structural components such as ribs, Keel, and planking. Preservation is attributed to the cold freshwater environment.

•Accessibility: Accessible to experienced divers, though caution is advised due to nearby infrastructure projects. Any exploration must comply with local regulations regarding shipwrecks and underwater archaeology.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Historical and Archaeological Resources:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Canadian Hydrographic Service

•Amherst Island Historical Society

Local Reports and Surveys:

•Windmill Installation Project Documentation

CONCLUSION

The Unidentified Sloop Hull off Kerr Point, Amherst Island, is a fascinating maritime discovery that sheds light on the small vessels that once plied the waters of Lake Ontario. While much about its origins remains unknown, the Hull offers a tangible connection to the region’s rich maritime history. Its preservation in shallow waters near modern infrastructure presents both an opportunity for further exploration and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Great Lakes navigation.

KEYWORDS

Unidentified Sloop, Kerr Point, Amherst Island, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, hydrographic survey, windmill installation, maritime history, underwater archaeology