Canal Boats Near Oswego

Shipwreck Report: Canal Boats Discovered in Lake Ontario

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Type of Wrecks: New York State Canal Boats
Location: Off the coast of Oswego, NY, Lake Ontario
Coordinates: Exact coordinates undisclosed
Discovery Team: Jim Kennard, Roger Pawlowski, and Roland Stevens
Date of Discovery: 2014
Depth of Wrecks: Over 200 feet (61 meters)
Accessibility: Not accessible to recreational divers due to depth
Survey Equipment: DeepVision side scan sonar, VideoRay Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Technical Divers: Bob Sherwood and Andrew Driver conducted underwater surveys

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The discovered wrecks are canal boats, specifically flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged cargo vessels from the mid-19th century designed for use on the New York State canal system. These boats were not intended for open-lake navigation, making their presence in Lake Ontario unique and indicative of significant risks taken by their owners.

Key Features of the Canal Boats:

1.Flat-Bottom Hulls: Allowed for navigation in shallow canal waters.

2.Construction Material: Likely oak or pine, employing plank-on-frame techniques.

3.Dimensions:

•First Canal Boat: 65 feet long, 14 feet wide, with no upper Deck, cabin, or cargo remaining. Its Stern is partially torn away.

•Second Canal Scow: 78 feet long, 14 feet wide, with a shallow Draft of approximately 4 feet. Its port side was torn away, likely due to shifting cargo.

4.Cargo Capacity: Designed to transport bulk goods such as grain, coal, or lumber.

5.Propulsion: Moved by teams of horses or mules along towpaths.

HISTORY

Canal boats like these were pivotal in the economic development of New York State in the 19th century. They formed an integral part of the Erie Canal system, connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, and facilitated efficient transportation of goods. However, their design was ill-suited for the open waters of Lake Ontario.

The two discovered wrecks were likely navigating between Oswego and Sackets Harbor when disaster struck. Their structural failures—one with a torn-away Stern and the other with a collapsed port side—suggest the challenges of crossing the lake in vessels not built for such conditions.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The exact reasons for the sinkings are speculative but likely involved turbulent lake conditions or shifting cargo that compromised the vessels’ structural integrity.

Wreck Highlights:

•Both wrecks rest within a few miles of each other in Lake Ontario, suggesting they were on a similar trade route.

•The depths exceed 200 feet, preserving the wrecks in the cold freshwater environment.

•The vessels were stripped of most recognizable cargo or features, with their skeletal remains offering glimpses into their design and function.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wrecks are largely intact but stripped of significant cargo or Deck features. They provide a rare glimpse into 19th-century canal boat design, especially since such vessels are uncommon finds in open-lake conditions. Due to their depth, they are inaccessible to recreational divers and require specialized equipment and advanced diving certifications for exploration.

SIGNIFICANCE

These canal boats are valuable historical artifacts, shedding light on the risks early canal boat operators faced when venturing into open lakes. Their discovery emphasizes the importance of the Erie Canal system and its connection to broader trade routes. The conditions of the wrecks also serve as a reminder of the challenges of adapting canal boats for environments beyond their design.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Shipwreck World: Detailed reports on shipwreck discoveries in Lake Ontario and beyond.
Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and background on canal systems and associated vessels.
SonarGuy.com: Exploration details and imaging from the discovery team.
David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival information on similar wrecks.

KEYWORDS

#Canal Boat Shipwrecks #Lake Ontario #New York State Canal System #Erie Canal Trade #Jim Kennard Shipwreck Discovery #19th-Century Maritime History #Canal Scow Design