SHIPWRECK REPORT: Tempest

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Tempest
• Type: 17-foot pleasure boat
• Location: Near False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Depth: 100 feet (33 meters)
• Year of Loss: July 1994

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Tempest was a small pleasure craft, typical of those used for recreational purposes on the Great Lakes. Boats of this type are favored for their versatility, compact size, and ease of handling, making them ideal for activities such as fishing, leisurely travel, and short excursions.

HISTORY

In July 1994, the Tempest was returning to the mainland when a patched section of its Hull failed. Water rapidly flooded the vessel, causing it to sink despite the prompt response of the Coast Guard. The incident highlights the vulnerability of smaller boats to structural weaknesses, even under routine conditions.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, as all aboard were safely rescued.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Tempest was located in 2001 by divers, seven years after its sinking. The vessel was discovered at a depth of 100 feet (33 meters), resting in the muddy lakebed near the False Duck Islands.

Key features of the wreck include:

Condition: The boat is partially buried in the mud up to the Gunwale.

Encrustation: Covered in Zebra Mussels, with layers 2 to 3 inches thick obscuring many of its features.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition: The Tempest is heavily encrusted and partially buried, limiting detailed exploration. Its structure is intact but shows signs of deterioration due to prolonged submersion and mussel encrustation.

Accessibility:

The site is accessible to experienced divers. The depth of 100 feet (33 meters) requires advanced diving skills and appropriate equipment. Visibility in the area may vary, depending on weather and sediment disturbance.

SIGNIFICANCE

While the Tempest is not historically significant, it serves as a case study in small pleasure boat incidents on the Great Lakes. The wreck provides insights into the challenges of recreational boating and the ecological impact of invasive species like Zebra Mussels, which now dominate many submerged structures in the region.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Explore Shipwreck Information
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: View Database
• Wrecksite EU: Explore Record

KEYWORDS

Tempest wreck, Lake Ontario shipwreck, False Duck Islands, Zebra Mussels, pleasure boat sinking, 1994 maritime incident

CONCLUSION

The Tempest serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining small pleasure craft for safe operation. Its location near the False Duck Islands adds to the underwater exploration opportunities in Lake Ontario, while its condition highlights the ecological influence of invasive species in the Great Lakes.