NOAA maritime archaeologists are “blown away and stunned“ by shipwrecks in Lake Ontario. A recent survey conducted within the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary has identified 17 additional shipwreck sites.
A new unidentified shipwreck discovered in the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. (Photo: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries / public domain)
A team from the University of Rhode Island conducted a mission using their remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Rhody, to help confirm these new wrecks within NOAA’s protected waters. Researchers were able to map wrecks with centimetre-level accuracy and create photorealistic 3D models thanks to the ultra-high-resolution imaging Stereo Camera that was mounted on the ROV. This advancement will help with the interpretation and preservation of the sites.
The sanctuary
Established in September 2024, the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary covers 1,722 square miles of southeastern Lake Ontario and contains 63 known shipwrecks and one submerged aircraft. Many of these date back more than 200 years and are among the best-preserved maritime relics in freshwater environments. The 17 newly documented wrecks may soon be added to that total.
Implications for heritage, research and recreation
In May 2025, live-streamed ROV dives offered the public real-time access to underwater archaeology in action. Remote participants observed previously unseen wreckage and learned about historical vessel types, such as schooners and steam barges, that shaped regional trade and transport.
In addition to boosting academic knowledge, these findings promote heritage tourism and recreational diving in the sanctuary. These wrecks are protected by law and cannot be disturbed, but they offer recreational divers the chance to explore history preserved beneath the lake’s cold, alkaline waters.
