Divers Discover Rare Shipwreck Near Toronto Dating Back to 1800s

UPDATE: A Canadian dive team has made a groundbreaking discovery in Lake Ontario, revealing a pristine shipwreck that could date back to the early 1800s, potentially 50 years older than previously anticipated. This unexpected find occurred as the team sought the century-old wreck of the Rapid City, which was lost in 1917.

The unidentified vessel, first detected in 2017 during a fibre-optic cable survey, caught the attention of Trent University archeologist James Conolly. He aimed to examine an undisturbed wreck, but what they found is far rarer and more significant. The dive team, led by exploration diver and president of the Ontario Underwater Council, Heison Chak, confirmed the wreck lies at a depth of 100 metres, a location believed to have shielded it from human interference.

“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 stated, showcasing images captured by photographer Jeff Lindsay. The photos reveal a vessel remarkably intact, with its standing masts still in place. Chak emphasized the rarity of such a find in Ontario waters, stating, “In all the rest that I have dove, either they have fallen off or been damaged.”

Initial assessments suggest this ship could be from the first half of the 19th century, based on its features like the rope rigging that predates metal rigging commonly used after the 1850s. Conolly noted the absence of a wheel on the aft deck and the lack of a centreboard winch, suggesting it may belong to a poorly documented period of Great Lakes shipbuilding, between 1800 and 1850.

The early 19th century was a significant era for the Great Lakes, coinciding with the establishment of trade relationships between Canada and the United States. Hundreds of vessels were built, but many were constructed in small shipyards that left scant historical records. The high loss rates due to frequent storms and accidents further obscure this period’s history.

According to Charles Beeker, a professor at Indiana University, finding a Great Lakes vessel predating the U.S. Civil War is exceptionally rare. He remarked that while the images are intriguing, further research is required to confirm the ship’s age and significance. Beeker stated, “The intactness of it makes it intriguing.”

Chak and Conolly plan to return to the site during the next dive season for a dimensional survey and wood sampling to accurately date the vessel. They aim to raise awareness about preserving maritime history through public lectures, including one at the University of Toronto on Monday.

This remarkable discovery not only adds a new chapter to the history of shipbuilding in the Great Lakes but also highlights the importance of preserving these maritime treasures. The dive team’s findings could have a profound impact on our understanding of early 19th-century maritime technology and trade.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and prepare for a potential shift in how we view the maritime history of the Great Lakes.