Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

• Type: Presumed Wooden Vessel (possibly a schooner or cargo ship)
• Year Discovered: 2022
• Location: Near Sodus Point, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Withheld for preservation purposes
• Depth: ~25 meters (82 feet)
• Condition: Relatively intact, partially buried in sediment
• Name: Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 1
• Type: Presumed Wooden Vessel
• Construction: Wooden hull, typical of 19th to early 20th-century vessels
• Location: Near Sodus Point, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Withheld for preservation and protection
• Depth: ~25 meters (82 feet)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 1 is believed to be a wooden vessel, likely a schooner or cargo ship, built for transporting goods across Lake Ontario. These vessels were essential for commerce in the region during the 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting trade networks between the United States and Canada. Typical cargo for such vessels included timber, coal, and agricultural products.

HISTORY:

The wreck, discovered during a NOAA survey of Lake Ontario in 2022, offers valuable insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The vessel likely dates back to the 19th or early 20th century and may have been part of the bustling trade that characterized Lake Ontario during this period.

Possible Circumstances of Loss:

• Storm Damage: The Great Lakes are notorious for sudden and severe storms, which often claimed vessels caught unprepared or overwhelmed by the conditions.
• Collision: The busy shipping lanes of Lake Ontario presented risks of collisions with other vessels or submerged obstacles, another common cause of shipwrecks.
• Sinking Event: The absence of salvage attempts suggests a sudden and catastrophic event led to the loss of the vessel.

Significance:

Schooners and cargo ships like this one played a vital role in the economic development of the region, enabling the transport of essential goods between ports and connecting the inland United States and Canada to broader markets via the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The Unidentified Hull – Sodus Point 1 provides a tangible link to this era of maritime commerce.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

The hull lies upright on the lakebed at a depth of 25 meters (82 feet) and is partially buried in sediment. The wreck’s relative intactness suggests it sank quickly during an unforeseen event. The lack of salvage evidence further supports the theory of a sudden loss.

NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMARs):

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently issued for this wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE:

• Discovered by: NOAA
• Date: 2022

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:

The wreck is in relatively good condition for its presumed age, partially preserved by the cold waters and sediment of Lake Ontario. While partially buried, the intact portions provide researchers with opportunities to study the design, construction, and materials of wooden vessels from the period.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• NOAA Marine Sanctuaries
  • Link to NOAA resources
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
  • Maritime History Database

This entry highlights the historical and research significance of the wreck. If further information or adjustments are needed, let me know!

sodus-point-1 2022-03-14 07:51:00