Unidentified Hull – Wreck Y

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

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• Vessel Name: Unidentified Hull
• Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, near Kingston, Ontario
• Coordinates: 44° 07.003′ N, 76° 33.608′ W
• Event: Part of the harbor cleanup in the 1930s
• Depth: Varies (Exact depth not specified, but typically shallow given the nature of a graveyard site)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The unidentified hull located at the Wolfe Island Graveyard is a remnant of the many vessels that were discarded during a significant cleanup effort in the 1930s. Such graveyards were common resting places for ships that had outlived their usefulness or were damaged beyond repair. The vessels were stripped of valuable materials, and their remains were often left to deteriorate naturally.

HISTORY #

During the 1930s, Kingston Harbour and its surrounding areas, including Wolfe Island, underwent extensive cleanups to remove derelict vessels that had accumulated over the years. These efforts were likely part of broader initiatives to maintain navigable waters and improve the appearance and safety of the harbor.

The unidentified hull in the Wolfe Island Graveyard represents one of the many ships that were deliberately sunk or abandoned during this period. The hull’s specific identity and history are unknown, as records from that time are often incomplete or nonexistent. However, the practice of disposing of old or damaged vessels in such a manner was common across the Great Lakes region.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The hull now rests at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, where it has become part of the underwater landscape. Over the decades, it has likely deteriorated significantly, with parts of the structure buried in sediment or encrusted with aquatic life. The site serves as a reminder of the many ships that once plied the waters of Lake Ontario and were eventually laid to rest in this quiet corner of the lake.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The unidentified hull is part of a larger collection of wrecks and remains at the Wolfe Island Graveyard. The site is accessible to divers, though visibility and water conditions can vary. The shallow nature of the graveyard means that the wreck is relatively easy to explore, making it a popular site for local divers and those interested in the maritime history of the region.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

   • A database of shipwrecks and maritime incidents, providing context for the types of vessels that may be found in graveyards like Wolfe Island.
   • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

   • Information on shipwrecks and preservation efforts, which may provide insights into similar graveyard sites.
   • NOAA Thunder Bay

3. Wrecksite EU

   • A resource for information on shipwrecks worldwide, including unidentified wrecks and graveyard sites in the Great Lakes.
   • Wrecksite EU

4. Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS)

   • An organization dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Ontario’s underwater heritage, including sites like Wolfe Island.
   • Save Ontario Shipwrecks