Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Wreck – Rochester 5

• Type: Likely Schooner or small Steamer

• Location: Near Rochester, New York, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates: Precise location not disclosed

• Depth: Estimated depth not documented

• Dimensions: Not recorded

• Condition: Undocumented, located in 2022

• Discovery Date: 2022

• Significance: Adds to the growing list of Lake Ontario shipwrecks, highlighting the region’s rich maritime history and aiding preservation and research efforts.

History

The Rochester 5 wreck was discovered in 2022 by NOAA, part of their continued efforts to map and document the underwater heritage of the Great Lakes. Situated in the depths of Lake Ontario near Rochester, this wreck is believed to be a Schooner or small Steamer, types of vessels that dominated Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century.

These vessels played crucial roles in transporting goods like timber, grain, and other resources, as well as ferrying passengers across the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes. The heavy maritime activity during this period makes it likely that the Rochester 5 wreck is linked either to a specific historical incident or an undocumented maritime loss.

Further research, including detailed remote-operated vehicle (ROV) surveys or diver explorations, could unveil more about the ship’s identity, its purpose, and the circumstances of its sinking. This wreck exemplifies the dense network of commerce and transportation that once thrived in the region and may hold artifacts offering insights into 19th-century maritime technology and trade.

Resources & Sources

• NOAA Reports and Announcements (2022): Key updates on new shipwreck discoveries near Rochester.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Offers historical context and potential connections for wrecks in Lake Ontario.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Repository of historical shipwreck data and archaeological documentation, essential for identifying and studying new discoveries.

Conclusion

The Rochester 5 wreck highlights the importance of the Great Lakes as a historical maritime hub. Its discovery underscores the potential for ongoing exploration and research to deepen our understanding of the region’s shipping history. Further studies are needed to uncover its full story and significance within the context of Lake Ontario’s maritime legacy.