Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Unidentified K21
  • Type: Likely a Schooner or small cargo vessel
  • Location: Western Lake Ontario
  • Depth: Approximately 45 meters (148 feet)
  • GPS Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
  • Condition: Largely intact with signs of long-term degradation
  • Discovery Date: 2021
  • Discovered By: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
  • Significance: Represents the bustling trade and transportation history of the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Vessel Type Description

The Unidentified K21 is believed to be a Schooner or small cargo vessel based on its structural remains. These types of vessels were the workhorses of the Great Lakes, primarily used for transporting essential goods such as lumber, coal, and agricultural products. Built for durability and practicality, they were integral to the economic development of North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The Unidentified K21 was discovered during NOAA’s 2021 survey of Lake Ontario, part of ongoing efforts to document and preserve the submerged cultural heritage of the Great Lakes. The vessel is believed to have operated during a period of intense commercial activity, when schooners and cargo vessels formed the backbone of Great Lakes trade.

The Great Lakes served as vital arteries for commerce, connecting regional markets to international trade routes via the Erie Canal and the St. Lawrence River. Vessels like Unidentified K21 carried bulk goods crucial to the industrial and agricultural expansion of the United States and Canada.

Although the exact history of the ship is unknown, it likely contributed to this network, facilitating the flow of goods between ports and supporting the growth of cities and towns along the lakeshores. Its sinking could have been caused by severe weather, collisions, or mechanical failure, all common risks of the era. The wreck is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Unidentified K21 wreck rests at a depth of approximately 45 meters (148 feet). While largely intact, the vessel shows degradation typical of prolonged submersion. Its sinking remains undocumented but was likely due to one of the many hazards associated with Great Lakes navigation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the Unidentified K21 wreck.

Resources & Links

• NOAA Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• Great Lakes Maritime History: Offers historical context and details about regional shipping and maritime incidents.

• NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Focused on preserving underwater cultural heritage, including Great Lakes wrecks.

Conclusion

The Unidentified K21 stands as a silent witness to the maritime history of Lake Ontario. Its discovery adds depth to our understanding of the Great Lakes’ role in regional and international trade during a transformative period in North American history. While its specific story remains shrouded in mystery, ongoing exploration and research hold the potential to shed light on its past, enriching the narrative of Great Lakes commerce and navigation.