Rare Lake Erie Shipwreck Uncovered by Strong Winds Near Kingsville

URGENT UPDATE: A rare shipwreck has been uncovered off the shores of Lake Erie near Kingsville, Ontario, thanks to strong winds that prompted an Environment Canada alert earlier this week. The wreck, estimated to be about 51 meters long, was spotted by local dive shop owner Matt Vermette while walking on Wednesday night.

Vermette noticed birds perched on what appeared to be a structure about 150 meters from the shore. “It was just really cool,” he said, realizing it was not an old dock, but a schooner wreck. This discovery has excited local historians and residents alike, as it reveals a hidden piece of maritime history in the area.

Authorities report that the low water levels caused by high winds exposed a site that is rarely visible. “Shallow water levels unearth shipwreck on Lake Erie,” said Vermette, who has dived in these waters often but had never encountered this particular wreck. He speculated that there are at least a couple of hundred wrecks scattered across Lake Erie, with only 20 to 30 commonly known.

Local historian Robert Lynch warns that the waters around Kingsville are treacherous for boats, leading to numerous wrecks over the years. He believes the wreck could potentially be one of two documented vessels: The Demming or The Overton, both dating back to before 1900. Lynch noted, “This end of Lake Erie, Pigeon Bay, is fairly shallow but generates very high waves… more shipwrecks are in this portion of the lake than the rest of the lake.”

As news spread, Vermette shared photos and videos on social media, sparking a rush of local residents hoping to catch a glimpse of the shipwreck. Kingsville resident Jennifer Wright was among those who ventured out on Thursday afternoon. “I guess a whole bunch of us are out trying to find it… I don’t see it,” she said with a laugh, noting that rising water levels quickly submerged the wreck again.

By Thursday morning, the wreck was obscured once more, emphasizing the fleeting nature of this rare sight. Vermette explained that visibility for divers is extremely limited due to mud in the area, making it nearly impossible to view the wreck underwater. “You’ll see it right before you hit it,” he said. The unique opportunity to capture the wreck above water highlights the urgency of this discovery.

Residents and historians alike are eager for more information as they discuss the implications of this find. The shipwreck serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie, and the community is hopeful that further explorations will reveal more about these lost vessels.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and locals continue to seek out the submerged history of Lake Erie.