IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Unidentified D32

•Type: Unknown (Presumed wooden vessel, likely a Schooner or cargo ship)

•Year Discovered: 2021

•Location: Near Oswego, Lake Ontario

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

•Depth: Not specified; presumed deep water based on NOAA survey methods.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Unidentified D32 is believed to be a wooden vessel, possibly a Schooner or small cargo ship, based on initial observations. This type of vessel was commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s design and construction suggest it may have been part of the bustling commercial activity on Lake Ontario, although further exploration is needed to confirm its purpose and type.

HISTORY

The Unidentified D32 was discovered in 2021 during a NOAA-led underwater survey aimed at mapping and documenting shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. Its location near Oswego situates it within a historically significant maritime corridor, known for high traffic volumes and inherent dangers such as storms, collisions, and navigational hazards.

This area, with its proximity to major ports and shipping routes, has seen the loss of numerous vessels over the centuries. The D32 may represent one of these lesser-documented losses. Without identifying records, it is challenging to determine the vessel’s exact history, ownership, or the circumstances surrounding its sinking.

The discovery contributes to our understanding of Lake Ontario’s maritime history and the risks faced by sailors navigating its often-treacherous waters.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The D32 lies in the deep waters of Lake Ontario near Oswego. The vessel’s wooden structure appears to have been relatively preserved by the cold, freshwater environment, although the wreck is in a deteriorated state due to age. Its location and condition suggest potential for archaeological exploration, which could provide valuable insights into its construction and story.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovered By: NOAA

•Date of Discovery: 2021

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Unidentified D32 wreck site. Its depth and location do not present significant navigational hazards, but divers or researchers exploring the area should exercise caution.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Marine Sanctuaries: Detailed resources on marine surveys and underwater archaeology.

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Information on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.

CONCLUSION

The Unidentified D32 is a mysterious addition to Lake Ontario’s shipwreck roster, discovered during NOAA’s ongoing efforts to document the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. While much about this vessel remains unknown, its potential