IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Unidentified Oswego 7 is believed to be a mid-19th-century wooden schooner or small cargo vessel. These types of vessels were a common sight on Lake Ontario during that era, primarily used for transporting goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities. The wreck’s structural remains indicate a practical design typical of the working ships of that time, built for durability and utility rather than aesthetics.
HISTORY #
Lake Ontario was a vital commercial route throughout the 19th century, with numerous vessels plying its waters, carrying goods between ports along the Great Lakes. The Unidentified Oswego 7 likely played a role in this busy maritime trade, transporting essential cargoes to various destinations.
The exact history of this vessel remains unknown, as no distinguishing features have been found that could definitively tie it to a specific ship. It is possible that the vessel met its end during one of the frequent storms that made navigation on the Great Lakes perilous. Alternatively, it could have succumbed to other hazards such as collisions or mechanical failures. The remains of the hull and cargo areas that are still visible suggest that the ship went down relatively intact, possibly sinking suddenly.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Unidentified Oswego 7 currently lies near Oswego, New York, at a depth of about 10 fathoms (18.3 meters / 60 feet). The wreck is partially intact, with sections of the hull and cargo areas still discernible. Despite the efforts of local divers and researchers, the vessel’s identity has not yet been determined. It remains one of many unidentified shipwrecks that rest at the bottom of Lake Ontario.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovered By: Local divers/researchers; specific details of the discovery are unclear
- Date of Discovery: Not precisely documented
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific notices to mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued related to this wreck. The site is not considered a significant navigational hazard due to its depth and location. However, divers exploring the wreck should be mindful of potential hazards, such as entanglement or the risk of structural collapse, especially in older wooden wrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3D Shipwrecks
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The Unidentified Oswego 7 serves as a poignant reminder of the many vessels that once navigated the treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, contributing to the region’s economic development. While its story remains largely untold, the wreck offers a tangible connection to the past and a challenge for those who seek to uncover the mysteries of the Great Lakes.
Lake Ontario
Oswego
Unidentified Shipwreck
Wooden Schooner
Small Cargo Vessel
Mid-19th Century
Great Lakes Maritime History
Recreational Diving