Shipwreck Report: Lake Street Wrecks

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Lake Street Wrecks (Three Stripped Hulls)

•Location: Near Lake Street, Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates:

•Approximate location based on public information: 43.1917° N, 79.2650° W

•Exact coordinates undisclosed to protect the site.

•Depth: Ranges from 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)

•Visibility: Varies depending on water conditions; typically good for shallow sites.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Lake Street Wrecks consist of three stripped wooden-and-steel hulls, likely Great Lakes bulk freighters or barges. These vessels were once used for transporting bulk goods, such as coal, lumber, or grain, across Lake Ontario.

The hulls, approximately 60 meters (197 feet) in length each, are remnants of vessels decommissioned and scuttled intentionally near Port Dalhousie after their useful lives ended. The mixed construction of wood and steel indicates the vessels were built in the late 19th or early 20th century, a time when composite designs were common for Great Lakes shipping.

HISTORY

1.Purpose and Service Life:

•These vessels served as bulk carriers on Lake Ontario, likely transporting materials between ports along the Great Lakes.

•Their roles contributed to the industrial growth of the region, particularly in support of port cities like Port Dalhousie, a former hub for the Welland Canal.

2.Decommissioning and Scuttling:

•After their operational lives, these vessels were stripped of valuable materials, including engines, boilers, and fittings.

•The hulls were intentionally sunk near Lake Street, east of the Port Dalhousie piers. This was a common disposal practice during the early 20th century.

3.Current Recognition:

•The wrecks, known as the “Lake Street Wrecks,” were rediscovered during surveys in the 1960s. They have since gained attention from divers and historians.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The hulls rest in shallow water close to the shore. Due to their relatively intact structure and accessibility, they serve as important sites for historical and recreational diving. Over time, the wrecks have become habitats for aquatic life, adding ecological significance to their historical value.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

1.Condition:

•The hulls are stripped of machinery and superstructure, leaving only the skeletal frames and planking.

•The vessels are relatively well-preserved due to their location in shallow, cold freshwater.

•Submerged debris, including deteriorated wood and rusting steel components, adds to the site’s visual interest but poses potential hazards.

2.Accessibility:

•Shore Access: The wrecks are reachable from Lake Street, Port Dalhousie, though approaching by small watercraft is recommended.

•Depth: With depths ranging from 10 to 15 feet, the wrecks are accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.

•Hazards: Divers should exercise caution due to entanglement risks from debris, currents, and potential underwater obstructions.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Lake Street Wrecks are:

1.Cultural Artifacts:

•They reflect the industrial and maritime history of Port Dalhousie and the Welland Canal system.

•The wrecks are tangible reminders of the shipping practices and vessel construction of their time.

The wrecks have attracted interest from historians and marine archaeologists. In 2024, marine archaeologist Dr. Kimberly Monk conducted a site assessment, noting the substantial wooden timbers and Iron Reinforcements indicative of shipbuilding techniques from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. One of the vessels appears to be a composite Hull, featuring iron framing with wooden planking—a design prevalent among Great Lakes bulk freighters of that period. 

The exact identities of the three freighters remain undetermined. Preliminary research suggests that one of the composite-hulled vessels might be the Malton, formerly known as the Peck, which records indicate was scuttled in the area after being stripped at Port Dalhousie. Ongoing research aims to confirm these identifications and uncover more about their histories. 

2.Ecological Habitats:

•Over the decades, the wrecks have become artificial reefs, supporting local aquatic life.

3.Educational Sites:

•The wrecks provide an accessible location for divers, researchers, and educators to study the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Historical Research:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Wreck Sites – Lake Ontario

• COLUMN: The Lake Street shipwrecks – Thorold News

• Port Dalhousie Shipwrecks – YouTube

The Lake Street Wrecks stand as silent witnesses to the maritime history of Lake Ontario, offering insights into past shipbuilding techniques and the industrial activities that once thrived in Port Dalhousie. Their preservation and study not only honor this heritage but also provide educational opportunities for current and future generations.

2.Dive Information:

•Local dive shops in Port Dalhousie or St. Catharines may offer guided tours or further information.

3.Local Histories:

•Articles such as “The Lake Street Shipwrecks” from ThoroldToday.ca provide additional context about the wrecks and their discovery.

KEYWORDS

Lake Street Wrecks, Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, stripped hulls, shipwreck diving, artificial reefs, early 20th-century freighters.

CONCLUSION

The Lake Street Wrecks stand as significant cultural and ecological landmarks in Lake Ontario, symbolizing the region’s rich maritime heritage. While much about their identities remains unknown, the wrecks continue to captivate divers, historians, and enthusiasts, offering both a glimpse into the past and a thriving underwater habitat. Their preservation and study contribute to the broader understanding of Great Lakes shipping history.

Photos submitted to Facebook Historic Port Dalhousie