IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: HMS Ontario
• Type: British Man of War (Brig-Sloop)
• Year Built: 1780
• Builder: Not specified (constructed for the British Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War)
• Construction: Wooden Hull, two masts
• Dimensions: 80 feet (26 meters) in length
• Depth of Wreck: 500 feet (260 meters)
• Location: Lake Ontario (exact location undisclosed)
• Condition: Exceptionally well-preserved due to deep-water location
• Discovery Date: Located in 2008, confirmed by underwater exploration
• Significance: One of the oldest and best-preserved shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, tied to the American Revolutionary War

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The HMS Ontario was a Brig-sloop, a type of small warship with two masts designed for speed and maneuverability. Armed with 22 cannons, it was one of the most powerful warships on Lake Ontario in its time. Despite its military capabilities, the Ontario primarily served as a transport vessel, ferrying troops, supplies, and dispatches to maintain British control over the Great Lakes during the American Revolutionary War.

HISTORY

Construction and Purpose:

Built in 1780 for the British Royal Navy, the HMS Ontario was a symbol of Britain’s effort to dominate the Great Lakes. Its primary role was logistical, ensuring the secure transport of troops and supplies between strategic locations such as Fort Niagara and Oswego.

Fateful Final Voyage:

On October 31, 1780, the HMS Ontario departed Fort Niagara for Oswego on a routine mission. It carried 130 crew members and passengers, including British soldiers, sailors, and civilians. As it sailed across Lake Ontario, the ship was caught in a sudden, violent storm. Overwhelmed by gale-force winds and towering waves, the HMS Ontario sank, resulting in the tragic loss of all lives aboard.

Historical Impact:

The sinking of the HMS Ontario was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Great Lakes history and marked a significant loss for British naval power during the American Revolutionary War. Its disappearance remained a mystery for over two centuries.

DISCOVERY OF THE WRECK

In 2008, shipwreck hunters Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville located the HMS Ontario using advanced side-scan sonar technology. The wreck was found in a remarkable state of preservation, lying upright on the lakebed at a depth of 500 feet. Both masts were still standing—an exceptionally rare condition for a shipwreck of its age. The cold, oxygen-depleted waters of Lake Ontario contributed to the ship’s preservation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND PRESERVATION

• Archaeological Importance:

The HMS Ontario offers invaluable insights into 18th-century naval architecture and British military operations during the Revolutionary War. Its exceptional preservation allows researchers to study the ship without the disturbances of time and scavenging.

• Protection Measures:

The exact location of the wreck is kept confidential to prevent looting or unauthorized diving. Documentation of the site is conducted with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), ensuring non-invasive exploration.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The HMS Ontario rests in a protected state, its story brought to light by modern technology. As one of the Great Lakes’ most significant underwater archaeological sites, it serves as a silent monument to the lives lost and the historical conflicts fought on these waters.

LEGACY

The HMS Ontario’s discovery highlights the naval power struggles during the American Revolutionary War and the critical role of the Great Lakes in North American history. Its tragic story underscores the risks of 18th-century naval warfare and the enduring mysteries hidden beneath Lake Ontario’s depths.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels and wrecks.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File – Archival information on shipwrecks.
• www.warsearcher.com – Detailed blueprint and history by Alex Comber.
• Bowling Green State University – Archival collections related to Great Lakes maritime history.
• National Geographic – Coverage of the HMS Ontario’s discovery and significance.
• History.com – Revolutionary War-era shipwrecks.
• BBC News – Historical context and modern discovery.
• www.Shipwreckworld.com – Locators of the HMS Ontario

KEYWORDS #HMS Ontario #Revolutionary War shipwreck #Great Lakes history #Lake Ontario shipwrecks #British Royal Navy #American Revolutionary War #Jim Kennard #Dan Scoville #Maritime archaeology #Deep-water wrecks

ANALYSIS

The HMS Ontario’s story is a poignant reminder of the perils of naval warfare during the American Revolutionary War and the strategic importance of the Great Lakes. Its discovery has deepened our understanding of the region’s maritime history, providing a unique glimpse into the past. Today, the ship’s remains, preserved at the bottom of Lake Ontario, serve as a testament to the men and women who braved the lake’s treacherous waters during a time of conflict and change.

3D Models

HMS Ontario (1780) Fully Furnished by Axeonalias on Sketchfab