Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Tiller Wreck

Explore the Tiller Wreck, a well-preserved wooden schooner in Lake Ontario, featuring an intact tiller and rich maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Tiller Wreck
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 95 ft (29 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 33 m / 110 ft
  • Location: Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario
  • Coordinates: N43°14.734′ W70°17.064′

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

Description

The Tiller Wreck, initially thought to be the Henry Clay, is a well-preserved, unidentified wooden schooner from the early 19th century. Its exact identity, origin, and circumstances of sinking remain a mystery despite thorough exploration and research. The name “Tiller Wreck” arises from its prominent and intact wooden tiller at the stern, an unusual feature for vessels of this time, as many schooners had transitioned to ship wheels.

The wreck sits on its starboard side at the bottom of Lake Ontario, approximately 6 kilometers from Port Dalhousie. It features open cargo hatches that provide insight into its structure and potential usage, although the overhead environment and accumulated silt require careful exploration. The schooner’s bowsprit is broken off, but the bow and stern remain largely intact, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

History

The wreck was discovered by Jim Garrington of Shark Marine while testing a sidescan sonar. Documented extensively by underwater archaeologists, including David Gilchrist, its identification as the Henry Clay was debunked, leaving its true identity unknown.

Significant Incidents

  • The Tiller Wreck was initially misidentified as the Henry Clay.
  • Discovered during sidescan sonar testing by Jim Garrington.

Final Disposition

The Tiller Wreck remains submerged in Lake Ontario, protected by a mooring system implemented by the Niagara Divers’ Association and other collaborators to prevent anchor damage and preserve the site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in a well-preserved state, with significant features such as the intact wooden tiller and cargo hatches. However, divers should be cautious of the overhead environment and silt accumulation.

Resources & Links

The Tiller Wreck represents a captivating window into the maritime history of Lake Ontario. Its preserved state, unique features like the tiller, and unresolved identity contribute to its mystique and historical value. The site is a testament to community efforts to preserve underwater heritage, providing an enduring legacy for divers and historians to explore.