Shotline Diving is proud to see our own Bob Sherwood and Daniel J. Gildea opening up a newly published wreck feature in Scuba News, highlighting the remarkable schooner-barge Onondaga.
Read the full Shotline Diving wreck record here:
Schooner-Barge ONONDAGA – Shotline Diving Wreck Record
A Working Life on the Lakes
Originally built in 1870 as a three-masted wooden schooner, Onondaga was converted into a schooner-barge in 1883, reflecting the evolution of Great Lakes freight economics and propulsion methods in the late 19th century.
She measured 137 feet in length with an estimated 26-foot beam and was engaged in coal transport during her final voyage.
On November 5, 1907, while en route from Oswego to Montreal, the vessel encountered heavy November seas. She foundered after a hull leak, sinking with approximately 632 tons of coal aboard. Fortunately, there were no reported crew fatalities.
For more on schooner-barge conversions:
Great Lakes Schooner-Barge Conversions – Shotline Feature
Discovery & Archaeological Significance
The Onondaga was discovered on May 4, 2019, by Capt. Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber using side-scan sonar and multibeam imaging off Stony Point.
Today, she lies upright in deep water, largely intact, with a blowout on the port side hull consistent with historical accounts. Her bow anchor remains set, offering a powerful glimpse into her final moments.
The site is recognized for its significant archaeological value, and no salvage operations are permitted.
Shotline Diving promotes responsible exploration:
Leave only bubbles, take only memories.
Be the diver that makes a difference.
Remove only garbage where appropriate — leave archaeological material exactly where it rests.
Learn more about ethical wreck diving:
Shotline Diving – Wreck Ethics & Conservation
Technical Diving Conditions
The Onondaga is a technical dive site requiring mixed gas capability and full decompression planning. Divers should expect:
- Deep, cold Great Lakes water
- Multiple thermoclines
- Limited natural light
- High silt-out risk in lower holds
- Boat-only access in U.S. waters
This is a site best approached with disciplined planning, proper training, and a strong conservation mindset.
Watch: Bob Sherwood on the ONONDAGA
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https://www.facebook.com/watch/bob.sherwood.7359/?ref=embed_video&show_text=false&width=560
A Rare Snapshot of 19th-Century Lake Commerce
The upright condition, intact structure, and preserved cargo offer a rare opportunity to study wooden schooner construction and later barge conversion practices in situ.
Special recognition to:
- Capt. Tim Caza
- Dennis Gerber
- Heison Chak
- All About Scuba – 1000 Islands
- Scubapro
- Blue Foot Diving
Reproduced with permission from Shotline Diving.