Identification & Site Information

• Name: Rum Runner (unofficial name)
• Type: Steam Launch
• Coordinates: 43.99618, -76.3586
• Depth: Approximately 6–12 metres (20–40 feet)
• Location: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario, New York

Vessel Type Description

The Rum Runner is an example of a steam-powered launch, often associated with the smuggling activities of the Prohibition era (1920–1933). These vessels were typically small, fast, and designed for agility, allowing smugglers to evade law enforcement. With a streamlined design, steam launches like this one were ideal for transporting contraband, such as alcohol, across large bodies of water like Lake Ontario.

History

Prohibition and Smuggling

During the Prohibition era, the ban on alcohol in the United States created a thriving black market. Bootleggers used small, speedy vessels like steam launches to Ferry contraband from Canada to the U.S. These boats could operate under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of the vast and sparsely patrolled Great Lakes.

The Rum Runner steam launch at this site was likely part of this clandestine trade. Its strategic location near Galloo Island suggests it may have been used as a waypoint or rendezvous site for transferring cargo between larger vessels or offloading goods to the mainland.

Final Disposition

The circumstances of this steam launch’s sinking are not well-documented. Possible scenarios include:

•Law Enforcement: The vessel may have been scuttled to evade capture during a raid.

•Mechanical Failure: Overloaded with cargo, the vessel may have succumbed to engine trouble or structural failure.

•Collision or Weather: Lake Ontario’s unpredictable weather or a collision during a high-speed escape could have caused the sinking.

The wreck now rests between 6 and 12 metres (20–40 feet) underwater near Galloo Island, offering a snapshot of the illicit activities that defined the Prohibition era.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•NOTMARs: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the site.

•Advisories: Divers should approach with care due to the fragility of the wreck and the historical significance of the site.

Located By & Date

The wreck has been identified at the provided coordinates, becoming a popular dive site for those interested in Prohibition-era maritime history. The exact date of discovery is unclear, but it is well-documented among local diving enthusiasts.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Rum Runner represents a fascinating chapter in Great Lakes history, illustrating the ingenuity and risks of bootleggers during Prohibition. The wreck’s location and design reflect the tactics employed by smugglers to navigate the legal and physical challenges of transporting illegal goods across Lake Ontario. As a submerged artifact, it offers a tangible connection to a turbulent and intriguing period in American and Canadian history.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Link
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
• Prohibition Era History: Link
• Sonar Guy: Link

3D Model

Lake Ontario – Rumrunner by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Rum Runner wreck near Galloo Island is a compelling site for divers and historians alike. Its story, steeped in the drama of Prohibition-era smuggling, provides a unique perspective on the ingenuity and dangers of the illicit alcohol trade. The wreck stands as a submerged relic of a bygone era, preserving the legacy of one of history’s most notorious bans.

Keywords

#RumRunner #ProhibitionEra #SteamLaunch #LakeOntario #GallooIsland #MaritimeHistory #Shipwreck #Bootlegging #GreatLakesSmuggling #DivingSites