IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 is a presumed wooden sailing vessel, likely a schooner or sloop, based on the remnants of the hull structure. The vessel appears to have been used for trade or transport across Lake Ontario, possibly during the mid to late 19th century.
HISTORY #
he Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 is a recently discovered shipwreck located near Sodus Point in Lake Ontario, lying at a depth of approximately 20 meters (66 feet). Identified by NOAA in 2022, this wreck is believed to be the remains of a wooden sailing vessel, likely a schooner or sloop. These types of vessels were commonly used throughout the 19th century for trade and transportation across the Great Lakes, carrying goods such as lumber, coal, and agricultural products that were essential to the region’s economy. The hull’s structure, although partially collapsed, offers clues about its design and the era in which it was built.
The mid to late 19th century was a period of intense maritime activity on Lake Ontario, with schooners and sloops serving as the primary workhorses of commerce. Vessels like the Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 were vital to the economic development of the towns and cities that lined the shores of the Great Lakes. These ships navigated the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, facing dangers such as sudden storms, strong currents, and the ever-present risk of collisions in the busy shipping lanes. The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 likely operated during this era, contributing to the flow of goods that was crucial to the region’s growth.
The exact history of the Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 remains largely unknown, as no identifying marks or documentation have yet been associated with the wreck. However, its discovery by NOAA adds an important piece to the puzzle of Lake Ontario’s maritime past. The vessel’s relatively intact state suggests that it may have sunk quickly, possibly due to a sudden and severe weather event, a common hazard on the Great Lakes. The hull’s preservation, with parts of the deck and structure still intact, provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to study the construction and materials used in wooden vessels of this period.
Artifacts found around the wreck site may offer further insights into the vessel’s identity and the circumstances surrounding its final voyage. These artifacts, if recovered and analyzed, could reveal details about the cargo it carried, the daily life of the crew, and the exact reasons for its sinking. The location of the wreck near Sodus Point, a key area for maritime trade in the 19th century, suggests that the vessel was likely engaged in the transportation of goods between the many ports along Lake Ontario’s shores.
The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 3 is a testament to the resilience and risks faced by the ships and sailors who navigated Lake Ontario’s waters. While much about the vessel remains a mystery, its discovery contributes to the broader understanding of the region’s maritime history. The wreck, now lying peacefully on the lakebed, serves as a reminder of the many ships that met their end in the cold, unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The hull is partially collapsed but remains largely in one piece. The vessel appears to have sunk quickly, with little evidence of human intervention. Artifacts around the wreck site may provide further clues about the vessel’s identity and its final voyage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently issued for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovered by: NOAA
- Date: 2022
