Unknown PB

1 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

	Name: Unidentified Sunken Boat Type: Pleasure Boat Dimensions: Exact dimensions unknown, relatively small size Depth: Within recreational diving limits (typically under 130 feet or 40 meters) Location: South of Toronto Island, Lake Ontario, Canada Coordinates: Specific coordinates not provided; located during a 2021 search operation

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Unidentified Sunken Boat is a modern pleasure craft, likely used for recreational boating activities on Lake Ontario. Pleasure boats of this nature are typically designed for short trips, cruising, fishing, and other leisure activities. This particular vessel, although not an old wooden shipwreck, presents an interesting dive site due to its relatively recent vintage and its discovery under unexpected circumstances.

HISTORY #

In late summer 2021, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Recovery Team embarked on a mission to locate an aircraft in the waters south of Toronto Island. Using a Zodiac boat provided by Shark Marine Technologies Inc. of St. Catharines, Ontario, the team deployed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to scan the lakebed. During this operation, the AUV detected an unidentified object on the sonar readout.

Initially uncertain of what the object might be, the team sent divers into the water to visually confirm its identity. Upon investigation, they discovered that the object was a sunken pleasure boat. The vessel appeared to be of fairly recent make, contrasting with the older shipwrecks typically sought by such expeditions. Though not the historic find the team was searching for, the discovery of this sunken boat added an element of surprise and intrigue to their mission.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The sunken boat remains at the bottom of Lake Ontario, south of Toronto Island. Its precise condition is unknown, but it is likely intact given its relatively recent vintage. The vessel now rests as part of the underwater landscape, contributing to the array of dive sites in the area.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The Unidentified Sunken Boat is located within recreational diving limits, making it accessible to divers with appropriate training and experience. The site presents a unique opportunity to explore a modern wreck, offering insights into more recent maritime activity on Lake Ontario. As the boat was discovered using advanced sonar technology, its exact position is known, allowing for relatively easy access by dive teams.