IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Unidentified Oswego 9 is believed to be a mid-19th-century wooden schooner or small cargo vessel. Such vessels were commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities. The wreck’s structural remains suggest it was a practical, utilitarian vessel, constructed for durability and function, characteristic of the working ships of that era.
HISTORY #
The vessel that would become known as the Unidentified Oswego 9 likely served as one of the many cargo-carrying schooners that plied the waters of Lake Ontario during the 19th century. These vessels were essential to the economic development of the region, moving goods between the various ports that dotted the Great Lakes.
Oswego, New York, was a key port during this period, and numerous ships would have passed through its waters, laden with cargo destined for distant markets. The exact history of this particular schooner remains obscure due to the lack of distinctive features that could tie it to a specific name or event. However, like many of its contemporaries, it likely met its end during a violent storm or other maritime disaster, sinking to the lakebed where it has rested for well over a century.
The wreck remains unidentified despite attempts by divers and researchers to piece together its story. The absence of unique markings or cargo that might provide clues has made it challenging to confirm its identity or the circumstances of its sinking.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Unidentified Oswego 9 lies in the depths near Oswego, New York, at an estimated depth of 10 fathoms (18.3 meters / 60 feet). The wreck is partially intact, with sections of the hull and cargo areas still discernible. Despite ongoing efforts, the ship remains unidentified, adding to the mystery that surrounds many of the Great Lakes’ shipwrecks.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovered By: Local divers/researchers; specific details of the discovery are unclear
- Date of Discovery: Not precisely documented
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific notices to mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck. The site does not appear to pose a significant navigational hazard, and it has not been widely reported in maritime advisories. Divers are encouraged to approach the site with caution, particularly regarding the potential for entanglement or structural instability.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3D Shipwrecks
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The Unidentified Oswego 9 is one of many shipwrecks that remain anonymous, lost to the depths and the passage of time. It serves as a poignant reminder of the many vessels that once crisscrossed Lake Ontario, carrying the lifeblood of commerce but often succumbing to the lake’s unforgiving conditions. The mystery of its identity only adds to its allure, beckoning divers and historians alike to unravel the secrets it holds.
Lake Ontario
Oswego
Unidentified Shipwreck
Wooden Schooner
Mid-19th Century
Great Lakes Maritime History
Recreational Diving
