Tempest – Lake Ontario Yacht Shipwreck (1994)

GPS: 46.771628, -92.104417

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Tempest
• Type: 17-foot pleasure boat
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 17 ft (5.18 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 33 m / 100 ft
• Location: Near False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Tempest was a small pleasure craft, typical of those used for recreational purposes on the Great Lakes. Boats of this type are favored for their versatility, compact size, and ease of handling, making them ideal for activities such as fishing, leisurely travel, and short excursions.

Description

The wreck of the Tempest was located in 2001 by divers, seven years after its sinking. The vessel was discovered at a depth of 100 feet (33 meters), resting in the muddy lakebed near the False Duck Islands.

Key features of the wreck include:

Condition: The boat is partially buried in the mud up to the gunwale.

Encrustation: Covered in zebra mussels, with layers 2 to 3 inches thick obscuring many of its features.

History

In July 1994, the Tempest was returning to the mainland when a patched section of its hull failed. Water rapidly flooded the vessel, causing it to sink despite the prompt response of the Coast Guard. The incident highlights the vulnerability of smaller boats to structural weaknesses, even under routine conditions.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, as all aboard were safely rescued.

Significant Incidents

• July 1994: The Tempest sank due to a hull failure while returning to the mainland.
• 2001: The wreck was discovered by divers at a depth of 100 feet.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Tempest was located in 2001 by divers, seven years after its sinking. The vessel was discovered at a depth of 100 feet (33 meters), resting in the muddy lakebed near the False Duck Islands.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The Tempest is heavily encrusted and partially buried, limiting detailed exploration. Its structure is intact but shows signs of deterioration due to prolonged submersion and mussel encrustation.

Accessibility: The site is accessible to experienced divers. The depth of 100 feet (33 meters) requires advanced diving skills and appropriate equipment. Visibility in the area may vary, depending on weather and sediment disturbance.

Resources & Links

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The Tempest serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining small pleasure craft for safe operation. Its location near the False Duck Islands adds to the underwater exploration opportunities in Lake Ontario, while its condition highlights the ecological influence of invasive species in the Great Lakes.