Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Wreck – D17

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unidentified Wreck – D17

• Location: Near Oswego, Lake Ontario, New York, USA

• Coordinates: Specific coordinates not publicly disclosed; identified as D17 by NOAA

• Depth: Not specified but likely within recreational diving range (30 to 130 feet / 9 to 40 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The D17 Wreck was discovered in 2022 by NOAA during a survey of Lake Ontario. Situated along the southern shore near Oswego, the wreck lies in an area rich in maritime history. The wreck’s size, construction materials, and purpose are currently unknown, leaving its origins a mystery. It could represent a commercial, military, or transport vessel, with potential ties to the 18th, 19th, or early 20th centuries.

Oswego has long served as a hub for trade, military operations, and transportation, making it a focal point for historical activity on Lake Ontario. Like many shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, the D17 vessel might have succumbed to storms, navigation errors, or even military conflict.

Historical Context

The D17 Wreck adds to the maritime legacy of Oswego, a port city that has been a crucial gateway for the movement of goods and people between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Military History: Oswego played a pivotal role during the War of 1812 and other conflicts, with many naval and transport vessels operating in the area. The wreck may date to one of these periods, particularly if it has military ties.

• Commercial Significance: The region was heavily trafficked by cargo schooners, steamboats, and barges transporting lumber, grain, coal, and other goods. The D17 could be one of the many such vessels lost during adverse weather or navigation mishaps.

• Recreational Value: The wreck offers a unique opportunity for divers and historians to uncover more about the ship and its role in Lake Ontario’s storied past.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies undisturbed on the lakebed, preserved by Lake Ontario’s cold freshwater. The exact condition of the wreck has not been fully detailed, but the cold and low-oxygen environment typical of the Great Lakes likely keeps it in a relatively intact state. No formal excavation or in-depth exploration has been reported as of yet.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories regarding this wreck.

• Mariners should consult updated nautical charts for any marked hazards near Oswego, though no navigational threats related to D17 have been reported.

Located By & Date

• Discovered By: NOAA during a 2022 underwater survey of Lake Ontario.

• Purpose of Survey: To chart Lake Ontario’s underwater features and identify submerged cultural resources as part of NOAA’s mission to map and preserve Great Lakes heritage.

Resources & Links

• NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Updates on surveys and shipwreck discoveries in Lake Ontario, including D17.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Comprehensive resources for researching Great Lakes shipwrecks, including ongoing studies.

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Preservation and exploration efforts for Lake Ontario wrecks like D17.

Conclusion

The D17 wreck embodies the untold stories of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Its discovery highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region and the importance of continued exploration and preservation efforts. As researchers and divers continue to investigate, the D17 wreck remains a silent guardian of the past, offering tantalizing glimpses into the lives and events that shaped Lake Ontario’s maritime legacy.

Keywords

#D17Wreck #LakeOntarioShipwreck #OswegoShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #NOAASurvey #ShipwreckExploration #UnidentifiedWreck