IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Unidentified Oswego 5 is presumed to be a wooden vessel, possibly a schooner or another type of cargo ship from the 19th or early 20th century. Initial observations suggest the wreck was used for commercial purposes, likely involving the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario. The vessel’s design and construction appear consistent with the types of ships that were commonly used for trade on the Great Lakes during that period. However, without more detailed exploration, its exact type and historical significance remain undetermined.
HISTORY #
Unidentified Oswego 5 is presumed to be a wooden vessel, likely a schooner or another type of cargo ship from the 19th or early 20th century. Based on initial observations, the wreck appears to have been used for commercial purposes, most likely involving the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario. The design and construction of the vessel align with the types of ships commonly employed for trade on the Great Lakes during this period. These vessels were essential to the economic growth of the region, facilitating the movement of goods such as grain, lumber, and other commodities between ports. However, without more detailed exploration, the exact type and historical significance of the Unidentified Oswego 5 remain undetermined.
The Unidentified Oswego 5 was discovered during a 2021 survey conducted by NOAA, which aimed to map and study shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. The wreck’s location near Oswego is significant, as this area was historically known for its heavy maritime traffic, with numerous vessels navigating its waters daily. The Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario, were vital trade routes, but they were also fraught with risks, including severe storms, collisions, and navigational challenges. Many ships met their fate in these waters, contributing to a rich but often tragic maritime history. Despite the discovery of the Unidentified Oswego 5, the vessel remains unidentified, as there are no known records or existing documentation that match the features observed at the site. This wreck could represent one of the many lesser-known vessels that operated on the Great Lakes, which have since been lost to time and memory.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Unidentified Oswego 5 lies in the cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario, where its wooden structure has been relatively preserved despite the passage of time. The vessel is in a deteriorated state, as expected for a wreck of this age, but its condition still offers potential for further study. Continued exploration and analysis could reveal more about the vessel’s identity and the circumstances that led to its sinking.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovered By: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
- Date of Discovery: 2021
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) issued for the Unidentified D32 wreck site. The site does not pose any significant navigational hazards based on the available data.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Conclusion #
The Unidentified Oswego 5 adds another layer of mystery to the rich tapestry of shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. Its discovery by NOAA highlights the ongoing efforts to map and understand the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Although much about this wreck remains unknown, its presence is a reminder of the many untold stories lying beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, waiting to be uncovered.
Lake Ontario
Oswego
Unidentified Shipwreck
D32 Shipwreck
Wooden Vessel
Schooner
Cargo Ship
19th Century
20th Century
Great Lakes Maritime History
NOAA
Deep-Water Survey
