A team of divers has uncovered an intact shipwreck in Lake Ontario that may date back to the early 1800s. The vessel, discovered approximately 100 meters beneath the surface, retains its masts and provides a glimpse into the shipbuilding practices of the Great Lakes during a time that has largely faded from historical memory.
The shipwreck was initially identified in 2017 as a “large anomaly” during a fibre-optic cable survey conducted by a research team led by James Conolly, an archaeologist from Trent University. Recently, a dive team, headed by Heison Chak, President of the Ontario Underwater Council, explored the site, confirming the significant find.
“It took us a few moments to calm ourselves down because it’s overwhelming finding a pristine wreck that is all in one piece,” Chak remarked. The divers were particularly excited to see both masts still standing, a rarity in shipwrecks, as many suffer damage from boat anchors or divers. Chak, who has two decades of diving experience, noted that he had never before encountered a topmast in any wrecks in Ontario or the St. Lawrence River.
Determining the age of the ship involved examining its features. The absence of a centreboard and a wheel on the aft deck, combined with its older “rope” rigging, suggests it likely belongs to the first half of the 19th century. “Metal rigging is only a common feature after the 1850s,” Conolly explained, reinforcing the hypothesis that the vessel dates back to before this period.
The dive team had initially set out to locate the wreck of the Rapid City, a ship built in 1884 that sank in 1917. However, the discovery of this previously undocumented ship presented an unexpected opportunity for research and historical insight. Given the depth of over 300 feet, Chak believes his crew is likely the first to have visited this site. “This is deep enough that I don’t think anyone’s been on it. I think we’re the first group, and that joy was just overwhelming,” he stated.
As the excitement surrounding this find grows, the implications for understanding maritime history in the Great Lakes region are significant. The intact condition of the ship not only offers a rare glimpse into early shipbuilding techniques but also presents opportunities for further study and conservation efforts in the future. The ongoing research will undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.
