IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: D15 Wreck

•Location: Lake Ontario (precise coordinates withheld for protection)

•Designation: Cataloged as “D15” for research and monitoring

•Depth: Not publicly specified; typical depths in this region range from 30–130 feet (9–40 meters)

•Condition: Undocumented; additional surveys required to assess the integrity of the site

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The D15 wreck is presumed to be a wooden-hulled vessel, common for Great Lakes Ships of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Based on preliminary sonar imaging, the structure could indicate a Schooner, Barge, or other merchant vessel types. These vessels were integral to the Great Lakes’ economic engine, transporting cargoes like lumber, grain, coal, or manufactured goods.

The exact identification remains speculative until further dives or remote exploration yield more detailed findings.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

The D15 wreck likely represents a time when Lake Ontario was a bustling trade route, connecting inland ports to larger markets. Maritime traffic often included schooners and barges transporting bulk cargo or smaller Passenger Vessels serving growing settlements along the lake.

Ships like the D15 faced frequent hazards, including:

•Sudden storms that swept vessels off course.

•Collisions, particularly in busy shipping lanes or near harbor approaches.

•Structural failures due to aging or overloading, common in wooden-hulled vessels.

Without concrete identification, D15 embodies the broader challenges faced by 19th-century mariners navigating Lake Ontario.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the D15 vessel remain unknown. The wreck’s state—whether intact or fragmented—may reveal important details about its final moments.

The D15 lies undisturbed at its site, contributing to underwater archaeological heritage. Its location is protected to deter unauthorized salvage and ensure its preservation for research.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Located By: Likely through NOAA’s survey initiatives or another maritime archaeological project.

•Date of Discovery: 2022, during sonar surveys aimed at documenting submerged cultural resources.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the D15 wreck are reported.

•As part of ongoing protection measures, the site remains confidential to prevent disturbance or artifact removal.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society

•Shipwreck Stories

•Underwater Archaeology Research Center

CONCLUSION

The D15 wreck represents a vital yet enigmatic piece of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Its discovery reinforces the significance of the Great Lakes as a historical corridor for trade, migration, and economic development. Preservation efforts ensure that the wreck remains a resource for research, awaiting advanced technologies to uncover its secrets.

Future investigations may uncover physical features or artifacts to link D15 to specific historical records, solving the mystery of its identity and offering fresh insights into the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.