Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Malta
- Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length: 135 ft (41.1 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 260 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
- Location: Lake Ontario, near Braddock Bay, ~12 miles northwest of Rochester, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
Description
The Malta served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, hauling cargoes such as grain and coal between ports in New York and Canada. The vessel exemplified the schooner-barge design, often towed by larger steam-powered vessels to improve transport efficiency.
History
Final Voyage (November 24, 1893):
- Cargo: Coal, destined for Toronto, Ontario.
- Incident:
- The vessel encountered a severe storm while en route from Oswego, New York.
- Battling high winds and rough waves, the Malta was overwhelmed and foundered near Braddock Bay.
- The crew was successfully rescued by the nearby steamer H. A. Root, preventing loss of life.
Outcome: The Malta sank and was considered a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- The Malta encountered a severe storm while en route from Oswego, New York.
- It was overwhelmed by high winds and rough waves, leading to its sinking near Braddock Bay.
- The crew was rescued by the steamer H. A. Root.
Final Disposition
Discovery: Located in 2016 using side-scan sonar by a team of shipwreck enthusiasts.
Wreck Condition: The Malta rests upright in approximately 200 ft (61 m) of water. The cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario have preserved much of the vessel, including the wheel and cargo hold.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is a technical diving destination, requiring advanced skills and equipment due to its depth.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”malta-1871″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Malta offers valuable insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its preservation provides a window into 19th-century shipbuilding and cargo transport practices. The wreck is an important artifact of the schooner-barge era, showcasing the risks and challenges faced by sailors navigating Lake Ontario.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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