Shipwreck Report: Partial Shipwreck in Ray Bay

Identification & Discovery

• • Name: Unknown (Partial Shipwreck)
• • Location: Ray Bay, Lake Ontario
• • Discovery Report:
• • Date Noted: March 2021
• • Survey Conducted: November 22, 2020
• • Reported By: Daniel Gildea to the Watertown Daily Times
• • Survey Team: Sonarguy.com
• • Technology Used: Side-scan sonar and underwater video

Wreck Site Information

• • Lake: Lake Ontario
• • Location: Ray Bay
• • Depth: 10 to 14 ft (3 to 4.3 m), depending on the time of year
• • Visibility:
• • The wreckage is visible from the surface on sunny days due to the shallow depth.
• • Often frequented by local fishermen, noted as a productive bass fishing spot.

Site Description:

The site consists of partial remains of a wooden shipwreck, with significant sections of the side structure visible. While the wreck is fragmented, it remains a prominent feature in the bay.

• Material: Presumably wood, typical of older Great Lakes vessels.

• Condition:

• The wreck is heavily deteriorated but retains notable side sections that can be observed both underwater and in sonar imagery.

• The shallow location makes it vulnerable to environmental and human impact.

Local Activity:

• The site is popular among fishermen and has been visited by divers in the past (approximately 10 years before the 2020 survey).

Historical Context

The identity of the wreck remains unknown. However, given its location in Lake Ontario and the partial state of the wreckage, it is likely the remains of a wooden Schooner, Barge, or early Steamboat. These vessels were common in the region during the 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying goods such as timber, coal, and grain.

Ray Bay’s proximity to shipping routes and ports suggests the ship may have been lost due to weather, collisions, or grounding.

Significance

The wreckage offers a glimpse into the maritime history of Lake Ontario, particularly the use of smaller vessels to navigate the lake’s shallow bays and inlets. While not currently identified, the site’s accessibility and historical potential make it a valuable resource for local historians, divers, and fishing enthusiasts.

Preservation and Exploration

• Survey Documentation:

The 3D sonar imaging conducted by Sonarguy.com provides a detailed representation of the site, aiding future study and preservation.

• Preservation Status:

As a shallow wreck in a frequently visited area, the site is at risk of degradation from natural forces and human activity. Protection under Canadian and U.S. heritage laws may apply, ensuring the site’s preservation.

• Further Study Needed:

• Detailed archaeological analysis could provide clues about the ship’s origin, purpose, and cause of sinking.

• Local records and oral histories might help identify the wreck.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Accessibility:

The wreck’s shallow depth makes it suitable for snorkelers and beginner divers, though care must be taken not to disturb the site.

• Visibility:

Best observed during clear, sunny conditions due to the shallow water.

Keywords:

Ray Bay shipwreck, Lake Ontario, partial wooden wreck, Sonarguy.com, bass fishing spot, shallow wreck sites, Great Lakes maritime history.

3D Model by Sonarguy.com

Lake Ontario – Ray Bay wreck by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab