Corey Presents to the County

Reposted from Wellington Times – JULY 11, 2024 AT 12:59 PM

Preserving Marine Heritage for Future Generations: The Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario

The Great Lakes are often referred to as the “Inland Seas,” but they also hold another title—the graveyard of thousands of sailing vessels. Beneath their cold, freshwater depths lies a rich tapestry of maritime history, with ships dating back to the age of sail and steam, each with its own story etched into the lakebed. Lake Ontario, in particular, is home to dozens of these sunken relics, especially in the waters surrounding Prince Edward County. While some wrecks may be of limited historical interest, many represent a veritable slice of marine heritage that is invaluable for understanding the region’s past.

One of the leading voices in the effort to preserve this underwater history is Corey Phillips, a passionate diver and member of Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS), an organization dedicated to the study, documentation, and preservation of shipwrecks in Ontario’s waters. Recently, Mr. Phillips shared his experiences and insights at the Mariners Museum, shedding light on the importance of protecting these submerged cultural treasures for future generations.

A Personal Dive into History

Mr. Phillips began his journey into the world of diving in 2002, after receiving a birthday gift of dive lessons from his wife, Holly. What started as a thoughtful present quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Since then, Phillips has logged over 900 dives and invested significantly in diving equipment, all in pursuit of uncovering the hidden stories beneath Lake Ontario’s surface.

Diving in Lake Ontario is not for the faint of heart. With depths reaching over 200 feet (61 meters), these dives require meticulous planning and a deep respect for safety protocols. Phillips emphasizes the importance of having multiple spare tanks to ensure a safe ascent, which can take up to two minutes for every minute spent at the bottom. Such precision is crucial when exploring these fragile wrecks, many of which have remained undisturbed for over a century.

The Fragile State of Underwater Heritage

While the cold freshwater environment of Lake Ontario has helped preserve many wrecks, time and human activity pose significant threats. Natural deterioration, coupled with unintentional damage from boat anchors, commercial fishing gear, and even scuba bubbles, accelerates the decay of these historical sites. Unfortunately, unscrupulous diversalso contribute to the problem by taking “souvenirs,” further degrading the integrity of these wrecks.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Phillips and his team at Save Ontario Shipwrecks have embarked on a mission to document and protect these underwater landmarks. One of their key initiatives involves creating underwater video footage of the wrecks, which is then transformed into 3-D models. These models not only help track changes over time but also serve as blueprints for future dive activities, ensuring that each expedition minimizes its impact on the site.

Mooring Buoys: Protecting Wrecks from Above

A critical component of this preservation effort is the installation of permanent mooring buoys at dive sites. Traditional anchoring can cause irreparable damage to fragile wrecks, as anchors and chains scrape against the wooden and metal structures. To combat this, Phillips’ team has placed 2,000-kilogram concrete blocks—set by Coast Guard vessels—on the lakebed. These blocks are connected to floating buoys at the surface, providing a secure and clearly marked mooring point for dive boats. This system not only protects the wrecks but also makes it easier for divers to locate and access the sites.

Currently, there are mooring buoys at eight locations near Prince Edward County, with plans to install two more in the near future. These buoys are a testament to the ongoing commitment of the diving community and organizations like Save Ontario Shipwrecks to safeguard Ontario’s maritime history.

Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario: A Glimpse into the Past

Mr. Phillips has explored most of the shipwrecks in the Lake Ontario region, each with its unique story and historical significance. Among the most notable are:

• Katie Eccles – A well-preserved wreck that remains a favorite among divers.
• City of Sheboygan – A vessel whose anchor is now displayed at the Mariners Museum, offering a tangible connection to its storied past.
• Oliver Mowat – Perhaps one of the most tragic, this ship sank after a collision near Main Duck Island, resulting in the loss of the captain and two crew members. The vessel’s riven hull is still visible underwater, serving as a haunting reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.

While some wrecks remain intact, others have been stripped of valuable components before being scuttled, reflecting the varied fates of these maritime relics. Regardless of their condition, each wreck contributes to the broader narrative of Ontario’s maritime heritage.

Legal Protections and Preservation Efforts

Ontario’s waters are home to thousands of shipwrecks, all of which are protected by law from being disturbed or salvaged. However, there are three locations where diving is strictly prohibited due to their historical and cultural significance:

• Edmund Fitzgerald – The site of the infamous freighter’s sinking, considered a grave site.
• Hamilton and Scourge – Two War of 1812 warships resting at the bottom of Lake Ontario, recognized as war memorial sites.

For all other wrecks, divers are encouraged to follow protocols that minimize their impact on these fragile sites. Organizations like Save Ontario Shipwrecks play a vital role in educating the diving community and advocating for the continued protection of these underwater treasures.

Building a Community of Preservationists

Phillips and Save Ontario Shipwrecks are working tirelessly to build a community of divers, historians, and maritime enthusiasts dedicated to preserving Ontario’s underwater heritage. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative dive projects, they hope to inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect these submerged historical sites.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit saveontarioshipwrecks.ca, where you can find information on ongoing projects, dive opportunities, and ways to contribute to the preservation of Ontario’s maritime history.

Conclusion

The shipwrecks of Lake Ontario are more than just relics of the past; they are windows into the history that shaped the economic and cultural development of Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region. Thanks to the efforts of divers like Corey Phillips and organizations like Save Ontario Shipwrecks, these submerged treasures are being documented, protected, and shared with the world. By fostering a sense of community and responsibility, we can ensure that these vital pieces of our marine heritage are preserved for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Keywords: Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Save Ontario Shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime heritage, Corey Phillips diver, Katie Eccles wreck, Oliver Mowat shipwreck, City of Sheboygan anchor, Ontario underwater archaeology, maritime preservation, Prince Edward County diving, Lake Ontario marine history, shipwreck conservation, Great Lakes diving sites.