A team of divers exploring the depths of Lake Ontario has uncovered a shipwreck that is remarkably intact and potentially dates back to the early 1800s. This significant discovery, made at a depth of over 100 meters, offers a rare glimpse into the shipbuilding history of the Great Lakes, an era that has largely faded from memory.
The unidentified vessel was first detected in 2017 during a fibre-optic cable survey, where it appeared as a “large anomaly” on the lake bed. James Conolly, an archaeologist from Trent University, led the recent dive that confirmed its existence. “It took us a few moments to calm ourselves down because it’s overwhelming finding a pristine wreck that is all in one piece,” remarked Heison Chak, President of the Ontario Underwater Council and leader of the dive team.
Chak emphasized the rarity of the find, noting that both masts of the ship remain standing. “In all the rest that I have dove, either they have fallen off, because boats come across them, anchors wreck them, or divers damage them,” he stated. This unique preservation heightens the significance of the discovery, as intact masts are seldom found in shipwrecks.
With over two decades of diving experience in locations such as Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean, Chak expressed his astonishment at the condition of the wreck. He noted that he had never encountered a topmast, which is located above the lower mast and supports the rigging for the sails. “I have never seen a top mast in any wrecks that I have dove in Ontario or in the St. Lawrence River,” he added.
The dive team initially set out to locate the wreck of the Rapid City, a vessel built in 1884 that sank in 1917. However, upon examining the newly discovered ship, they estimated its age based on specific features. The absence of a centreboard and wheel on the aft deck, alongside 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. So it immediately puts it into, likely, the first half of the 19th century,” Conolly explained.
Given the significant depth of the wreck, estimated at over 300 feet, Chak believes that his team may be the first to have ever reached it. “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.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere historical interest; it also highlights the importance of underwater archaeology in preserving the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. As this shipwreck remains untouched, it provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to study shipbuilding techniques of the past and the broader context of maritime activity in the region.
As the team continues to analyze the wreck and its contents, they aim to share their findings with the public, further illuminating the rich history of the Great Lakes. This intact vessel not only tells a story of its time but also underscores the need for ongoing exploration and preservation of underwater cultural heritage.
