SITE IDENTIFICATION

•Vessel Type: Small Schooner

•Location: Near Kingston, before entering Lake Ontario

•GPS Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: 30 feet (9.1 meters)

•Length: Approximately 60 feet (18.3 meters)

SITE DESCRIPTION

The wreck of a small scuttled Schooner rests in 30 feet of water near Kingston, Ontario, at the threshold of Lake Ontario. The remains of this vessel are largely collapsed, with notable features such as scattered deadeyes visible across the Deck. Deadeyes—wooden blocks integral to the ship’s rigging—highlight the Schooner’s maritime heritage, with their disarray suggesting a collapse of the rigging before or during the sinking.

Measuring approximately 60 feet in length, the wreck appears structurally compromised, with its Hull flattened over time. Despite its condition, this wreck offers a fascinating look at the small trading schooners that were once commonplace on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Small schooners like this one played a vital role in the Great Lakes economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for transporting lumber, grain, coal, and other goods. They were agile, economical, and well-suited to navigating the lake and river systems of the region.

This particular Schooner appears to have been intentionally scuttled—a practice common for vessels at the end of their operational life or beyond repair. Scuttling served as a means to dispose of aging or damaged ships, sometimes creating underwater obstructions or acting as makeshift breakwaters.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Schooner lies in a shallow area near Kingston, Ontario, just before Lake Ontario. Over time, its structure has collapsed, leaving a largely flat wreck with scattered rigging components, including deadeyes, on the Deck. The site likely dates back decades and reflects a deliberate act of scuttling.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners associated with this wreck. However, divers should exercise caution, as shallow wrecks can present risks such as sharp debris, entanglement hazards, and sudden changes in Visibility.

LOCATED BY & DATE

Details about the discovery of this wreck are not provided, but the site is recognized among local divers and historians in Kingston, Ontario.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Depth: 30 feet (9.1 meters), making it ideal for divers with open water certifications.

•Accessibility: The site is stable but fragile; divers should be careful to avoid disturbing its features, such as the scattered deadeyes.

•Visibility: Variable, depending on weather and sediment conditions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Kingston Wrecks: Link

•Wrecksite Database – Schooner Wrecks: Link

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Link

KEYWORDS

Small Schooner, Scuttled, Kingston, Lake Ontario, Deadeyes, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Dive Site, Shallow Wreck.

ANALYSIS

This small scuttled Schooner near Kingston represents the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Though its specific identity remains unknown, the wreck highlights the prominence of small trading vessels that once traversed the region. Its shallow depth makes it an accessible dive site, offering historical intrigue and a unique underwater exploration opportunity. Divers should treat the site with respect, as it is a fragile link to the region’s nautical past.