Record Ls1775/40 – Lake Ontario Barge Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: LS1775/40
• Type: Likely a sunken barge
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 1.83 m / 6 ft
• Location: Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: LAT 43° 02′ 57″ N, LONG 79° 00′ 07″ W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Likely a sunken barge based on hydrographic survey observations.

Description

Structure:

• Wooden beams detected beneath the mud layer.
• Soft mud filling much of the surrounding area.
• Visibility: Not visible to the naked eye during surveys but clearly detected on the fathogram.

History

Charting and Surveys:

• The wreck was originally identified and charted with the designation “LS1775/40.”
• A 1980 Hydrographic Survey (H9889/80) confirmed the presence of the wreck through fathometer readings and pole soundings.
• Despite slight variations in depth findings, the charted depth of 5 feet over the wreck was not disproven.

Significant Incidents

• The Marine Safety Manual (MSM) in September 1988 retained the wreck on nautical charts, with the note: “DEPTH OVER WRECK 5 FT.”
• This designation ensures that mariners are alerted to the hazard.

Final Disposition

The wreck’s shallow depth makes it a navigational hazard, and its charted presence underscores the importance of hydrographic surveys in maintaining maritime safety. Although its identity is uncertain, its structural characteristics suggest it may have been a barge used in nearby trade or industrial activities.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility: The wreck is not visible at the surface but can be detected using sonar or other hydrographic survey tools.

Access: The shallow depth (5–6 feet) makes this site hazardous for navigation, especially for smaller vessels operating near the wreck.

Condition: Likely a wooden barge that has become embedded in soft mud over time.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”record-ls1775-40″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The wreck identified as LS1775/40 remains an intriguing feature of Lake Ontario’s underwater landscape. While its shallow depth poses a navigational challenge, its preservation on nautical charts ensures ongoing awareness and maritime safety in the region.