IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 is believed to be a metal-hulled vessel, possibly a tugboat or small freighter. The wreck’s construction indicates it was built in the late 19th to early 20th century, during a time when metal hulls were becoming more common on the Great Lakes. The exact identity and purpose of the vessel remain unknown.
HISTORY #
he Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 is a shipwreck discovered in 2022 near Sodus Point in Lake Ontario, lying at an estimated depth of 30 meters (98 feet). The wreck is believed to be a metal-hulled vessel, likely built during the late 19th to early 20th century, a period when metal hulls began to replace wooden construction in the maritime industry. The shift to metal hulls marked a significant advancement in shipbuilding, providing greater durability and resistance to the harsh conditions often encountered on the Great Lakes. Based on its construction, the vessel may have been a tugboat or a small freighter, both of which were common types of vessels used for various commercial activities on the Great Lakes during this era.
The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 was identified by NOAA during a 2022 survey aimed at mapping and documenting submerged cultural resources around Sodus Point. The vessel’s location and condition suggest that it was actively engaged in the commercial operations that were a hallmark of Great Lakes maritime activity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tugboats, for example, were crucial in assisting larger vessels through harbors and narrow passages, while small freighters were used to transport goods such as coal, grain, and manufactured products between ports. The vessel’s metal hull, which remains largely intact, is indicative of the technological advancements of the time, offering better protection against the elements and reducing the risk of fire, a common hazard for wooden ships.
The exact identity and purpose of the Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 remain unknown, as no definitive records or identifying features have been found on the wreck. However, its relatively intact state provides valuable insights into the construction and design of metal-hulled vessels from this period. The wreck shows signs of significant damage, particularly on parts of the hull, which may suggest that the vessel was lost due to a collision, grounding, or some other catastrophic event. Collisions were a frequent danger on the busy waters of the Great Lakes, especially as the number of vessels increased with the growth of regional commerce.
The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 are still a mystery. It is possible that the vessel was involved in a routine commercial operation when it encountered trouble, such as a sudden storm, mechanical failure, or navigational error. The Great Lakes, with their unpredictable weather and crowded shipping lanes, were notorious for such incidents. Despite these challenges, metal-hulled vessels like this one represented the cutting edge of maritime technology at the time, designed to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes navigation.
Today, the wreck of the Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 2 lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario, a silent witness to the region’s rich maritime history. While much about the vessel remains unknown, its discovery adds a significant piece to the puzzle of how the Great Lakes were used during this pivotal period of industrial and technological change. The wreck serves as an important archaeological site, offering researchers the opportunity to study the transition from wooden to metal shipbuilding on the Great Lakes and the various roles these vessels played in the region’s economic development.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The hull rests on its side, with parts of the structure still recognizable. The exact cause of the sinking remains unclear, but the damage suggests a violent end. Further study of the site may reveal more about the vessel’s history and 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
