Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Wreck – Mid Lake 5

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Wreck – Mid Lake 5

• Location: Near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario, on the U.S. side

• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not publicly disclosed; identified as Mid Lake 5 by NOAA

• Depth: Not specified but likely within 30 to 130 feet (9 to 40 meters), the standard range for shipwrecks in Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Mid Lake 5 wreck is an unidentified shipwreck discovered during NOAA’s 2022 survey of Lake Ontario. The wreck lies in proximity to Main Duck Island, a site with a rich maritime history due to its strategic position along major shipping routes. While the vessel’s type, construction materials, and dimensions remain unknown, its location suggests it could be:

• A commercial vessel used for transporting goods.

• A fishing boat, reflecting the region’s historical fishing activity.

• A military or transport ship, given the area’s past role in regional defense and logistics.

The diversity of potential vessel types highlights the complexity of maritime activity around Main Duck Island.

History

The wreck was discovered in 2022 by NOAA as part of their mission to map and document Lake Ontario’s underwater features and submerged cultural resources. Its location near Main Duck Island connects it to a region steeped in maritime history.

• Main Duck Island: The island has historically served as a waypoint and refuge for mariners navigating the challenging waters of Lake Ontario. Its strategic position along busy shipping lanes made it a hotspot for trade, fishing, and even smuggling during Prohibition.

While the wreck’s origins remain unknown, it could be a relic from any period of the island’s storied past. Like many other wrecks in the Great Lakes, Mid Lake 5 may have fallen victim to severe storms, navigational errors, or mechanical failures.

Final Disposition

The Mid Lake 5 wreck lies undisturbed on the lakebed, preserved by Lake Ontario’s cold freshwater environment. This preservation likely ensures that the wreck remains in relatively good condition, whether it is wooden or metal.

No salvage or detailed exploration has been reported as of yet, leaving the vessel’s story a mystery for future research and underwater archaeology.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• NOTMARs: No specific Notices to Mariners have been issued for this wreck.

• Its location, near a historically busy shipping route, may warrant marking on updated nautical charts to alert mariners to its presence as a submerged hazard.

Located By & Date

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

• Date of Discovery: 2022

• Survey Purpose: Mapping Lake Ontario’s underwater terrain and identifying submerged cultural resources as part of NOAA’s ongoing mission to document and preserve Great Lakes history.

Resources & Links

1. NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Provides insights into NOAA’s work in identifying and preserving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

2. Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database

Comprehensive information on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including updates on recent discoveries.

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

A valuable resource for researching the history and significance of shipwrecks and maritime activity in the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The Mid Lake 5 wreck serves as a silent witness to the untold stories of Lake Ontario’s maritime past. Discovered near Main Duck Island, it encapsulates the region’s rich history as a hub for trade, fishing, and transportation. While its identity and story remain a mystery, the wreck offers a tantalizing opportunity for further exploration and research. As NOAA and other organizations continue their work, Mid Lake 5 promises to reveal more about the hidden legacy of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#MidLake5Wreck #LakeOntarioShipwreck #MainDuckIsland #NOAADiscovery #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #UnidentifiedWrecks #ShipwreckExploration #UnderwaterArchaeology