Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Daggerboard Schooner
- Type: Wooden daggerboard schooner
- Year Built: ca. 1820–1840 (estimated)
- Builder: Unknown, Great Lakes region
- Dimensions: Length 55 ft (16.7 m); Beam 15 ft (4.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 50–60 tons (estimated)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 126 m / 415 ft
- Location: Offshore Lake Ontario, U.S. sector
- Coordinates: 43°26.8517′ N, 78°33.1733′ W
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The vessel is classified as a wooden daggerboard schooner, a type of sailing craft designed for efficient operation in shallow waters while maintaining adequate sail power for open-lake navigation.
Description
The wreck is a small, early nineteenth-century wooden daggerboard schooner typical of the trading craft that operated on Lake Ontario before widespread adoption of centerboard designs. The daggerboard trunk is intact and visible amidships, confirming its type. The vessel lies upright and largely intact on a silty bottom, with hull planking, frames, and deck structures remarkably well preserved by the cold, deep, low-oxygen environment.
History
Daggerboard schooners were among the earliest purpose-built lake traders, designed to operate efficiently in shallow water while retaining sufficient sail power for open-lake transit. This unidentified vessel likely dates to the 1820–1840 period, when daggerboard hulls were transitioning to centerboard rigs. No contemporary loss reports precisely match the find, leaving its identity uncertain. The vessel’s build and scale indicate a working trader rather than a fishing or passenger craft.
Significant Incidents
- The cause of loss remains undetermined. The wreck’s position and condition suggest either foundering under adverse weather or deliberate abandonment. The hull rests upright and largely unbroken, with no visible evidence of fire or collision.
Final Disposition
The wreck was discovered by the Deep World exploration team using deep-water side-scan sonar and ROV survey; coordinates confirmed through ShipwreckWorld datasets. The site lies in 415 feet (126 meters) of water offshore in Lake Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No active navigation hazards reported. Site lies beyond typical recreational depth limits. Access restricted to technical dive operations or ROV exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unidentified-daggerboard-schooner” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Access to the wreck requires an offshore charter and is suitable only for technical divers due to the extreme depth and cold conditions. Remember to respect the site and adhere to legal requirements regarding research and artifact recovery.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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