SHIPWRECK REPORT: MALTA

Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge

Dimensions:

•Length: 135 ft (41.1 m)

•Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m)

•Depth: Unknown

Tonnage: Approximately 260 tons

Location: Lake Ontario, near Braddock Bay, ~12 miles northwest of Rochester, New York

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Malta

•Construction:

•Builder: Unknown

•Year Built: 1871

•Material: Wooden Hull

•Primary Use: Bulk cargo transport, specializing in grain and coal shipments.

HISTORY

Service Life:

The Malta served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, hauling cargoes such as grain and coal between ports in New York and Canada. The vessel exemplified the Schooner-Barge design, often towed by larger steam-powered vessels to improve transport efficiency.

Final Voyage (November 24, 1893):

•Cargo: Coal, destined for Toronto, Ontario.

•Incident:

•The vessel encountered a severe storm while en route from Oswego, New York.

•Battling high winds and rough waves, the Malta was overwhelmed and Foundered near Braddock Bay.

•The crew was successfully rescued by the nearby Steamer H. A. Root, preventing loss of life.

•Outcome: The Malta sank and was considered a Total Loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Discovery: Located in 2016 using side-scan sonar by a team of shipwreck enthusiasts.

•Wreck Condition:

•The Malta rests upright in approximately 200 ft (61 m) of water.

•The cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario have preserved much of the vessel, including the wheel and cargo hold.

•Accessibility:

•The site is a technical diving destination, requiring advanced skills and equipment due to its depth.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Malta offers valuable insights into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its preservation provides a window into 19th-century shipbuilding and cargo transport practices. The wreck is an important artifact of the Schooner-Barge era, showcasing the risks and challenges faced by sailors navigating Lake Ontario.

DIVE NOTES

•Depth: Approximately 200 ft (61 m); suitable for experienced technical divers only.

•Visibility: Generally good, though conditions can vary with weather.

•Artifacts: Key features include the ship’s wheel, intact cargo holds, and portions of the Deck.

•Safety: Strong currents and cold water temperatures require advanced preparation and thermal protection.

REFERENCES & LINKS

•Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario: A Journey of Discovery by Jim Kennard

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Local historical records and diver reports from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research community.

This structured report highlights the Malta’s historical significance and ensures its legacy is preserved in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history.