Unidentified 118 Fathoms Wreck

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Depth: 118 fathoms (216 meters / 709 feet) Location: Lake Ontario, near Main Duck Island GPS Coordinates: [Exact coordinates are typically restricted for preservation reasons.]

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

This wreck remains unidentified, but it is likely to be a commercial vessel based on its size and structure. The depth suggests it could be from the late 19th or early 20th century, possibly a schooner or a small freighter. Unique features, such as the design of the hull and remnants of cargo, might offer clues about its original purpose once more detailed exploration is conducted.

HISTORY #

The unidentified shipwreck near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario presents a tantalizing mystery, lying at a depth of 118 fathoms (216 meters / 709 feet). Discovered in 2022 by NOAA during a deep-water survey of the lake, the wreck is likely a commercial vessel, judging by its size and structure. The significant depth at which the wreck rests suggests that it could date back to the late 19th or early 20th century, possibly making it a schooner or small freighter. These types of vessels were commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting goods, and their sturdy construction was designed to withstand the often harsh conditions of these inland seas.

The wreck’s remote location and the depth at which it lies imply that the vessel likely sank quickly, far from shore, and in a relatively unexplored area of Lake Ontario. The cold, deep waters have likely preserved the wreck in a well-preserved state, although the exact details of its construction and cargo remain to be fully explored. Initial observations suggest that the wreckage is largely intact, offering the potential for future explorations to uncover more about the vessel’s origins, its purpose, and the circumstances that led to its sinking. The discovery of this wreck adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, where numerous ships have disappeared into the depths, leaving behind stories yet to be told.

The shipwreck remains unidentified, and little is currently known about its history. However, its preservation in the cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario offers a unique opportunity for historians and archaeologists to study a piece of the lake’s commercial past. The unique features of the hull and any remnants of cargo might eventually offer clues about the vessel’s original purpose and the era it belonged to. As with many shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, the exact cause of the sinking is unknown, but the wreck’s depth suggests that it may have encountered severe weather, structural failure, or another catastrophic event that led to its demise.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The vessel lies in a well-preserved state due to the cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario. The site has not been extensively explored, but initial observations suggest the wreckage is largely intact. The exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, but the ship likely went down quickly given its position far from shore and depth.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. However, mariners are generally advised to navigate carefully in this area due to other known hazards.