Unidentified K21

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Name: Unidentified K21
Type: Likely a schooner or small cargo vessel
Lost: Lake Ontario
Depth: Approximately 45 meters (148 feet)
GPS Coordinates: Specific coordinates are not publicly disclosed but are in the western part of Lake Ontario.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Unidentified K21 is believed to be a schooner or small cargo vessel based on its structural remains. These types of vessels were commonly used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries on the Great Lakes, primarily for transporting goods such as lumber, coal, or agricultural products. The construction suggests it was a working vessel, possibly involved in regional trade.

HISTORY #

The Unidentified K21 is a shipwreck found in the depths of Lake Ontario, identified during a NOAA survey as part of a broader initiative to document submerged cultural resources in the Great Lakes. Based on the structural remains, it is believed that Unidentified K21 was either a schooner or a small cargo vessel. These types of vessels were a common sight on the Great Lakes throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a vital role in the transportation of goods such as lumber, coal, and agricultural products. The construction of the vessel suggests that it was a working ship, built for durability and practicality, likely serving as a critical link in the regional trade network that connected various ports around the lakes.

Schooners and small cargo vessels like Unidentified K21 were the backbone of commerce on the Great Lakes during this period. These ships were designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, navigating the often challenging conditions of the lakes, including unpredictable weather and crowded shipping lanes. The Great Lakes were among the busiest waterways in North America, with thousands of vessels transporting goods that were essential to the economic development of the United States and Canada. The presence of Unidentified K21 in Lake Ontario points to its likely involvement in this bustling trade network, where it would have carried vital cargo between ports, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region.

The history of Unidentified K21 remains largely unknown, a common fate for many shipwrecks whose identities have been lost to time. Without definitive identification, it is challenging to piece together the vessel’s specific history, including its origins, ownership, and the exact circumstances of its sinking. However, the fact that it was discovered during a NOAA survey indicates the importance of ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. These surveys aim to shed light on the countless vessels that lie beneath the surface, each with its own story to tell, even if the details remain elusive.

The vessel likely dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century, a period marked by intense commercial activity on the Great Lakes. During this time, ships like Unidentified K21 were essential for the transportation of bulk goods that fueled the industrial and agricultural expansion of North America. The vessel’s final voyage remains a mystery, but it may have fallen victim to one of the many hazards that plagued ships on the Great Lakes, such as severe weather, navigational errors, or collisions. The wreck lies as a silent witness to the dangers that these vessels faced, a testament to the challenging conditions under which they operated.

The discovery of Unidentified K21 adds another piece to the puzzle of Great Lakes maritime history, reminding us of the many ships that served the region’s economic needs and the countless sailors who navigated these waters. While the specifics of the vessel’s history may remain unknown, its presence on the lakebed underscores the enduring legacy of the ships that once plied the Great Lakes, driving the economic engine of a rapidly growing continent.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The exact circumstances of the K21’s sinking are not documented. It could have been lost due to severe weather, a collision, or a structural failure. The wreck is largely intact but shows signs of degradation typical of vessels that have been submerged for a long time. It rests at a depth of about 45 meters (148 feet).