Canal Boats Near Oswego – Lake Ontario Canal Boats Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Canal Boats Near Oswego
• Type: Canal Boats
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 65 ft (19.81 m) & 78 ft (23.77 m); Beam: 14 ft (4.27 m); Depth of hold: 4 ft (1.22 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
• Location: Off the coast of Oswego, NY
• Coordinates: 43.545881, -76.558039

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The discovered wrecks are canal boats, specifically flat-bottomed cargo vessels from the mid-19th century designed for use on the New York State canal system. These boats were not intended for open-lake navigation, making their presence in Lake Ontario unique and indicative of significant risks taken by their owners.

Key Features of the Canal Boats:

• Flat-Bottom Hulls: Allowed for navigation in shallow canal waters.
• Construction Material: Likely oak or pine, employing plank-on-frame techniques.

Description

Dimensions:

• First Canal Boat: 65 feet long, 14 feet wide, with no upper deck, cabin, or cargo remaining. Its stern is partially torn away.
• Second Canal Scow: 78 feet long, 14 feet wide, with a shallow draft of approximately 4 feet. Its port side was torn away, likely due to shifting cargo.

Cargo Capacity: Designed to transport bulk goods such as grain, coal, or lumber.

Propulsion: Moved by teams of horses or mules along towpaths.

History

Canal boats like these were pivotal in the economic development of New York State in the 19th century. They formed an integral part of the Erie Canal system, connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, and facilitated efficient transportation of goods. However, their design was ill-suited for the open waters of Lake Ontario.

The two discovered wrecks were likely navigating between Oswego and Sackets Harbor when disaster struck. Their structural failures—one with a torn-away stern and the other with a collapsed port side—suggest the challenges of crossing the lake in vessels not built for such conditions.

Significant Incidents

The exact reasons for the sinkings are speculative but likely involved turbulent lake conditions or shifting cargo that compromised the vessels’ structural integrity.

• Both wrecks rest within a few miles of each other in Lake Ontario, suggesting they were on a similar trade route.
• The depths exceed 200 feet, preserving the wrecks in the cold freshwater environment.
• The vessels were stripped of most recognizable cargo or features, with their skeletal remains offering glimpses into their design and function.

Final Disposition

The wrecks are largely intact but stripped of significant cargo or deck features. They provide a rare glimpse into 19th-century canal boat design, especially since such vessels are uncommon finds in open-lake conditions. Due to their depth, they are inaccessible to recreational divers and require specialized equipment and advanced diving certifications for exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

These canal boats are valuable historical artifacts, shedding light on the risks early canal boat operators faced when venturing into open lakes. Their discovery emphasizes the importance of the Erie Canal system and its connection to broader trade routes. The conditions of the wrecks also serve as a reminder of the challenges of adapting canal boats for environments beyond their design.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the history of these canal boats, remember to respect the site and its artifacts. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and be the diver that makes a difference.