Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Unidentified Oswego 9

• Type: Presumed wooden Schooner or small cargo vessel

• Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

• Depth: Estimated 10 fathoms (18.3 meters / 60 feet)

• Description: Partially intact wreck, with visible Hull and cargo sections typical of mid-19th-century cargo schooners.

• Condition: Structural remains partially intact, lacking unique identifying features.

• Discovery: Likely found by local divers or researchers; details of the discovery remain unclear.

Vessel Type Description

The Unidentified Oswego 9 is believed to be a mid-19th-century wooden Schooner or small cargo vessel. Such vessels were the backbone of commerce on the Great Lakes, transporting essential goods like lumber, grain, and other commodities. Built for durability, these utilitarian ships were critical to the economic growth of the region and reflect the practical maritime architecture of their era.

History

This vessel likely served as a cargo ship navigating the busy waters of Lake Ontario, connecting Oswego to other Great Lakes ports. Oswego’s strategic location made it a hub for trade during the 19th century, with ships frequently carrying goods for regional and transatlantic markets via the Erie Canal and the St. Lawrence River.

The exact identity and history of the Unidentified Oswego 9 remain shrouded in mystery. Its design and construction suggest it was a workhorse of its time, playing a vital role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. However, like many ships of its era, it may have succumbed to a violent storm, navigational error, or structural failure, ultimately meeting its end beneath the lake’s surface.

The lack of unique identifying features on the wreck has hindered efforts to tie it to a specific historical event or vessel. Despite this, the wreck offers valuable insights into the types of vessels that once crisscrossed Lake Ontario, contributing to the region’s prosperity.

Final Disposition

The Unidentified Oswego 9 lies at an estimated depth of 10 fathoms (18.3 meters / 60 feet), making it accessible for recreational diving. The wreck remains unidentified, with visible sections of the Hull and cargo areas providing a glimpse into its past. It rests as a silent witness to the perils of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation.

Located By & Discovery Date

• Discovered By: Likely local divers or researchers

• Date of Discovery: Not precisely documented

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck. Divers should exercise caution around the site due to potential structural instability and risks of entanglement.

Resources & Links

• NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: A source for preservation efforts and wreck documentation.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and records of shipwrecks in the region.

• 3D Shipwrecks: Visualization and mapping of Great Lakes wrecks.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck documentation.

Conclusion

The Unidentified Oswego 9 serves as a poignant reminder of the many vessels that contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Great Lakes region. Its anonymity adds an air of mystery, inviting further exploration by divers and researchers eager to uncover its story. This wreck is a testament to the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the challenges faced by those who navigated its waters.

Suggested Keywords and Categories

• Lake Ontario

• Oswego

• Unidentified Shipwreck

• Wooden Schooner

• Mid-19th Century

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Recreational Diving