IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The K13 wreck is believed to be a wooden vessel, potentially a schooner or small freighter from the mid to late 19th century. Such vessels were commonly used on Lake Ontario for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. The construction methods observed at the site suggest that the vessel was built during a period when wooden ships were robust and designed to endure the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. The wreck’s preservation, with much of the hull still intact, makes it a valuable site for historical research and potential identification.
HISTORY #
Lake Ontario was a vital transportation route throughout the 19th century, with numerous vessels crisscrossing its waters carrying goods and passengers. The K13 wreck, likely dating from this period, represents one of the many vessels that met an untimely end on the lake.
Vessels of this type were integral to the economic development of the region, often carrying cargoes such as grain, timber, coal, and manufactured goods. While the specific history of the K13 is currently unknown, it likely played a role in the busy maritime trade that characterized Lake Ontario during this era. The fact that it rests at a significant depth and remains relatively well-preserved suggests that it may have sunk suddenly, possibly during a storm or due to a structural failure.
The preserved state of the wreck offers a unique opportunity for researchers to study the construction techniques and materials used in mid to late 19th-century wooden ships. The site holds the potential for historical significance, particularly if further exploration and research can uncover more details about the vessel’s identity and its final voyage.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The K13 wreck lies at a depth exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), within a 20-mile radius of Oswego, New York, on the floor of Lake Ontario. The vessel remains relatively well-preserved, with significant portions of the hull still intact, which contributes to its potential historical importance. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not yet known, but the wreck’s state suggests it may have gone down in a sudden and catastrophic event.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovered By: Likely NOAA or a research expedition; specific details of the discovery remain unclear
- Date of Discovery: Not precisely documented
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific notices to mariners (NOTMARs) related to the K13 wreck. Given its deep location and the absence of surface hazards, the site does not pose a significant navigational risk. However, divers intending to explore the wreck should be prepared for the challenges associated with deep wreck diving, including the need for specialized equipment and training.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3D Shipwrecks
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The K13 wreck presents a fascinating enigma beneath the waters of Lake Ontario. Its well-preserved state offers a rare glimpse into the maritime history of the region, with the potential to reveal much about the shipbuilding practices and trade of the 19th century. As research continues, this site may one day provide answers to the many questions surrounding its identity and the story of its final voyage.
Lake Ontario
Oswego
K13 Shipwreck
Wooden Vessel
Schooner
Small Freighter
19th Century
Great Lakes Maritime History
Deep Wreck
Recreational Diving
