Shipwreck Report: Undiscovered Schooner (Found July 8, 2024)

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Undiscovered Schooner (Unnamed)

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Dimensions: Not specified

•Depth: Information not released

•Location: Lake Ontario, near Sonarguy discovery site

•Date Discovered: July 2, 2024 (identified via ROV on July 8, 2024)

•Discovered By: Sonarguy.com during a sonar survey

Vessel Type Description

This wooden Schooner was identified during a follow-up ROV dive as part of a survey operation on July 8, 2024. Typical of schooners, the vessel likely served as a versatile cargo ship. Its dual masts, now lying collapsed across the Deck, and the presence of coal as cargo suggest its role in transporting industrial goods.

History

The Schooner’s identity and historical background remain unknown. However, the cargo of coal strongly indicates its use during the height of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th or early 20th centuries, a time when coal was a vital fuel source for industries and railways in the region. The vessel’s sinking, coupled with the state of its Stern cabin, points to structural failure, possibly from age, weather, or accidental damage.

Discovery Details

The Schooner was one of four targets identified by Sonarguy.com on July 2, 2024, during a sonar survey. Subsequent exploration with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on July 8 confirmed the target as a Schooner. Key observations include:

•Masts: Both masts are lying across the Deck, likely dislodged as the vessel sank or after years of submersion.

•Stern Cabin: The cabin has collapsed entirely, possibly due to structural failure or the impact of its sinking.

•Cargo: The presence of coal as cargo adds a unique dimension to its potential historical significance.

Final Disposition

The Schooner remains submerged and largely intact except for the collapsed Stern cabin. Its coal cargo and state of preservation make it an important site for archaeological study and understanding trade dynamics in the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Schooner’s condition allows for further exploration and documentation. Its accessibility is limited to advanced divers and ROV operations, depending on the depth and exact location, which has not been disclosed publicly.

Research & Ongoing Efforts

Efforts to identify the Schooner are likely underway. Historical records of coal-carrying schooners lost in Lake Ontario, coupled with details from the wreck, could provide clues to its identity and story. The ongoing work by Sonarguy.com and related organizations is critical in uncovering the Schooner’s origins.

Conclusion

This Schooner adds to the catalog of significant maritime discoveries in Lake Ontario. Its preserved state, including masts and cargo, provides a compelling glimpse into the era of Schooner trade on the Great Lakes. Future research will aim to uncover its history and importance in regional commerce.

For more on this and other discoveries, visit Sonarguy.com.

Keywords: Undiscovered Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Sonar Discovery, ROV Exploration, Great Lakes Maritime History

Glossary Terms: Schooner, Coal Cargo, Maritime Archaeology, ROV