Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Wreck D44

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Unidentified D44

•Type: Likely a Schooner or small merchant vessel

•Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Specific coordinates are not publicly disclosed, but it is located in proximity to Oswego.

•Depth: Approximately 60 meters (197 feet)

•Dimensions: Not documented

•Condition: Mostly intact but showing signs of deterioration from prolonged submersion.

•Discovery Date: 2021

•Discovered By: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Vessel Type Description

The Unidentified D44 is believed to be a Schooner or small merchant vessel, typical of the 19th or early 20th century. These vessels were instrumental in transporting bulk goods such as grain, timber, and other commodities across the Great Lakes. Schooners were especially valued for their ability to carry large loads while navigating the often unpredictable and shallow waters of the lakes. Their construction prioritized durability and functionality, enabling them to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes commerce.

History

The wreck known as D44 is one of several significant discoveries in Lake Ontario and is presumed to date back to a time when schooners and similar vessels dominated regional trade. The vessel’s presence near Oswego—a vital port city during the height of Great Lakes commerce—underscores its likely role in economic activities that supported the burgeoning communities of the region.

The D44 was discovered in 2021 by NOAA as part of an expansive effort to map and study submerged cultural resources in Lake Ontario. While much remains unknown about this vessel, its structure aligns with the design of schooners used in the 19th century. Such ships were commonly lost due to the inherent dangers of the Great Lakes, including sudden storms, navigational errors, collisions, and equipment failures.

The wreck of D44, largely intact, rests undisturbed at a depth of approximately 60 meters. Its discovery adds to the wealth of historical shipwrecks cataloged in Lake Ontario, providing an opportunity to study and preserve the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The circumstances of the D44’s loss remain unclear. Potential causes include:

•Weather: Lake Ontario’s infamous storms could have overwhelmed the vessel.

•Collision: The area’s high traffic during the 19th century may have contributed to an accidental strike.

•Mechanical Failure: Common in vessels of this era.

The wreck remains a largely intact yet deteriorating relic of maritime history, preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or navigational advisories are currently associated with this wreck.

•Advisory: Its location is monitored as part of NOAA’s efforts to preserve submerged cultural resources.

Located By & Date

•Survey Conducted By: NOAA

•Date of Discovery: 2021

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in approximately 60 meters (197 feet) of water, which presents challenges for exploration. While mostly intact, the structure shows signs of natural deterioration from decades of submersion. Given its depth, diving to the site requires advanced technical diving skills and appropriate equipment.

Resources & Links

•NOAA Shipwreck Database: Documentation and details of shipwrecks in Lake Ontario.

•Great Lakes Maritime History: Historical context for vessels like the D44.

•NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Updates on submerged cultural heritage projects.

Conclusion

The Unidentified D44 offers a tantalizing glimpse into the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario. Its discovery by NOAA in 2021 highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to document and preserve the cultural resources submerged within the Great Lakes. Though its name and full story remain elusive, the D44 stands as a symbol of the dynamic and often perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

Tags

#UnidentifiedWreck #LakeOntario #SchoonerShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipwrecks #NOAADiscovery #OswegoShipwreck