Unidentified Hull – Prohibition Wreck

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Name: Rum Runner (Unofficial Name) Type: Steam Launch Coordinates: 43.99618, -76.3586 Depth: Approximately 6 to 12 meters (20 to 40 feet) Location: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario, New York.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The “Rum Runner” is a term often used to describe small, fast vessels used during the Prohibition era to smuggle alcohol across the Great Lakes. These vessels were typically steam-powered launches, small enough to evade law enforcement yet powerful enough to transport contraband quickly. Steam launches like the one found at the coordinates provided were common in the early 20th century and often featured a simple, streamlined design for speed and agility on the water.

HISTORY #

During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), the smuggling of alcohol across the Canadian-American border became a lucrative but risky business. Steam launches, such as the one referred to as the “Rum Runner,” were ideal for navigating the waters of Lake Ontario, where they could quickly move illegal cargo. These vessels were likely used by bootleggers to transport alcohol from Canada to the United States, exploiting the vast and often unpatrolled expanses of the Great Lakes. The vessel at this site might have been one of many that operated under the cover of darkness, delivering contraband to thirsty Americans.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The exact circumstances of this particular steam launch’s sinking are not well-documented. However, it is possible that the vessel met its end during one of these illicit runs, either due to law enforcement intervention, mechanical failure, or a collision. Given its depth and location, it likely went down quickly, and its crew may have escaped or perished depending on the conditions at the time of the sinking.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of this Rum Runner steam launch. However, divers should exercise caution due to the wreck’s potential fragility and the presence of other historical artifacts in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck has been located at the provided coordinates, and it is a point of interest for divers and historians interested in the Prohibition era and its associated maritime activities. The discovery date is not well-documented, but it has become a known site among the local diving community.