Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Unidentified K11

• Type: Presumed wooden vessel, likely from the late 19th century

• Location: Lake Ontario, exact proximity to Oswego not confirmed

• Depth: Believed to exceed 100 feet (30 meters), classified as a deep-water site

• Description: Preserved wreck, potentially a Barge or small freighter. Visible characteristics suggest a commercial or transport role. Further detailed surveys are needed due to its depth and state.

Vessel Type Description

The Unidentified K11 is thought to be a wooden vessel from the late 19th century. Its construction and visible features suggest it served a practical purpose in the transport of goods, such as grain, coal, or timber. Vessels of this type were integral to the bustling trade on Lake Ontario, connecting regional markets to larger trade networks. The deep-water location has likely contributed to the vessel’s preservation, offering a well-preserved snapshot of 19th-century maritime commerce.

History

During the late 19th century, Lake Ontario was a crucial trade corridor, with vessels carrying essential goods that fueled the industrial growth of North America. The Unidentified K11 was likely part of this economic network, operating as a cargo vessel transporting commodities between the region’s busy ports.

The circumstances of the vessel’s sinking remain unknown. Common causes during this period included sudden storms, collisions in crowded waterways, or structural failures under heavy loads. The wreck’s preservation suggests a rapid sinking, with the vessel coming to rest in a stable condition on the lakebed. Its current state underscores the challenges and risks faced by mariners during the height of Great Lakes trade.

Final Disposition

The Unidentified K11 lies at an undetermined depth, likely greater than 100 feet (30 meters), in the deeper regions of Lake Ontario. Its classification as a deep-water wreck has likely shielded it from extensive damage and looting, preserving it as a valuable site for future archaeological investigation.

Located By & Discovery Date

• Discovered By: Likely NOAA or a similar research organization during deep-water surveys

• Date of Discovery: Not precisely documented

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Unidentified K11 wreck. Its depth and location minimize any navigational hazard. However, divers and researchers must exercise caution due to potential hazards like structural instability or entanglement risks.

Resources & Links

• NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Focused on preserving submerged cultural heritage.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical insights into regional trade and vessel records.

• 3D Shipwrecks: Advanced visual mapping of underwater wreck sites.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Unidentified K11 adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, resting as a preserved time capsule of 19th-century trade. While its identity and story remain elusive, its discovery represents a valuable opportunity for further exploration. The site promises insights into the construction, operation, and challenges of vessels that navigated Lake Ontario’s waters, illuminating a vital chapter in the region’s economic and industrial development.

Suggested Keywords and Categories

• Lake Ontario

• Unidentified Shipwreck

• K11 Shipwreck

• Wooden Vessel

• Barge

• Small Freighter

• 19th Century

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Deep Wreck

• NOAA

• Recreational Diving