Unidentified D44

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Unidentified D44 is presumed to be a schooner or a small merchant vessel based on the structure and remnants observed. These vessels were commonly used during the 19th century on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargo such as timber, grain, and other goods vital to the commerce of the region.

HISTORY #

The wreck known as Unidentified D44 lies beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, near Oswego, New York. This vessel, presumed to be a schooner or a small merchant ship, was most likely built in the 19th or early 20th century, a period when such vessels were a common sight on the Great Lakes. Schooners and merchant vessels were essential to the region’s commerce, often transporting bulk cargo like timber, grain, and other goods critical to the economy of the Great Lakes. These ships, characterized by their versatile design and capacity for heavy loads, played a vital role in the development of the Great Lakes’ shipping industry, facilitating trade between the growing communities along the lakeshores.

The Unidentified D44 was discovered in 2021 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during an extensive survey aimed at mapping and exploring submerged cultural resources in Lake Ontario. While the wreck has not been definitively identified, its general structure and the remnants of the vessel suggest it was a schooner or similar type of merchant vessel. This type of ship was commonly used during the peak years of maritime activity on the Great Lakes. Schooners were valued for their ability to efficiently transport large volumes of cargo while navigating the often unpredictable conditions of the lakes. The vessel likely served a similar purpose, carrying goods between ports and contributing to the commerce that fueled the economic growth of the region during the 19th century.

Despite its presumed importance, the exact history of the Unidentified D44 remains unknown. The wreck has yet to yield clues about its name, ownership, or the circumstances that led to its demise. Like many vessels from this era, it could have been lost due to one of the many hazards that plagued ships on the Great Lakes, including severe weather, navigation errors, collisions, or mechanical failures. The Great Lakes were known for their unpredictable and sometimes violent storms, which frequently caught vessels off guard, leading to numerous shipwrecks throughout the 19th century.

The Unidentified D44 rests at a depth of approximately 60 meters (197 feet) on the lakebed, where it has remained undisturbed for decades. Though mostly intact, the vessel shows typical signs of deterioration from prolonged submersion, with parts of its structure slowly succumbing to the effects of time and water. The wreck, like many others on the Great Lakes, represents a piece of maritime history, a relic of a time when the lakes were bustling highways of commerce and transportation. The discovery of Unidentified D44 by NOAA adds to the growing catalog of submerged cultural resources in Lake Ontario, offering a glimpse into the past and the significant role these vessels played in the region’s development.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the D44 are not well-documented. Like many vessels of its era, it could have been lost due to harsh weather conditions, a collision, or other common navigational hazards on the Great Lakes. The wreck is mostly intact and lies at a depth of about 60 meters (197 feet), but shows typical signs of deterioration from long-term submersion.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Unidentified D44.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

• Located by: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• Date Discovered: 2021