Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unknown Steamer Rudder

• Former Names: Not applicable

• Date Built and Launched: Undetermined (based on wreck characteristics, likely late 19th to early 20th century)

• Date Lost, Destroyed, or Abandoned: Unknown

• Location: Lake Ontario (exact coordinates undisclosed)

• Discovery Date: August 22, 2020

• Depth: Not reported

Vessel Type

The recovered rudder is believed to belong to a steam-powered vessel, a common type of ship used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Steamers were integral to commerce and transportation, ranging from passenger ferries to cargo vessels and tugs.

Description

The rudder, found by Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber during their sonar explorations on August 22, 2020, is a significant artifact, indicative of the vessel’s size and design. While the exact identity and context of the rudder remain under investigation, it is likely part of a larger wreck yet to be fully explored.

Ongoing documentation aims to analyze the rudder’s construction, material, and dimensions to better understand the ship’s origins. Steamer rudders were typically made of iron or steel by this time, with a robust design to withstand strong lake currents and frequent manoeuvring.

History

Steam-powered vessels dominated Great Lakes shipping in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with advancements in engineering allowing ships to grow larger and more efficient. Many steamers met their end through fire, collision, or severe storms—hazards endemic to Great Lakes navigation. The discovery of this rudder may help uncover the story of one such vessel and contribute to the ongoing study of regional maritime history.

Final Dispositions

The rudder’s presence suggests a potentially larger wreck site nearby, although no additional structural components have yet been documented. If tied to a known wreck, the rudder could offer clues about the ship’s fate and final moments.

Located By & Date Found

• Discoverers: Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber

• Discovery Date: August 22, 2020

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Hazards: Unknown, as the wreckage remains under documentation. Divers should exercise caution in unexplored areas.

• Preservation: Ongoing studies suggest the site holds historical value; it should be treated as a protected location until further notice.

Resources & Links

• Exploration updates: Sonar Guy

• Historical context on Great Lakes steamers: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Preservation initiatives: Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: Steamer rudder, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Great Lakes wreck artifacts, sonar discoveries

• Categories: Maritime Archaeology, Great Lakes History, Shipwreck Discoveries

• Glossary Terms:

• Rudder: A flat piece, typically metal or wood, used to steer a ship.

• Steamer: A steam-powered ship, common on the Great Lakes from the mid-19th century onward.

• Sonar Discovery: The use of sonar technology to locate underwater objects or anomalies.

Lake Ontario – Steamer rudder by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab