In brief
With the aid of an underwater drone, archaeologists are mapping shipwrecks in Lake Ontario, revealing the area’s historical maritime significance and uncovering stories from the 19th century.
A week ago, the research vessel Lake Guardian set sail from Oswego, New York, embarking on a journey into America's maritime history. The ship, operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, is conducting an extensive study of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, a vast area encompassing 1,722 square miles that connects New York with Canada’s border. Beneath the lake's depths lie 63 sunken ships, remnants of 19th-century maritime endeavors that succumbed to harsh weather and unpredicted circumstances. The archaeological team onboard, consisting of experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and students from the University of Rhode Island, is focused on developing intricate three-dimensional models of select wrecks—initially targeting around a dozen historical vessels.Utilizing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Rhody, equipped with a high-definition camera, the researchers are making astonishing discoveries. Recently, they began live streaming their underwater findings on YouTube, with one researcher expressing amazement in an email to supporters, stating they were "blown away" by their discoveries. "There’s a lifetime of research potential here," commented Benjamin Ioset, a maritime archaeologist at NOAA, who has personal ties to the area due to his childhood diving experiences in the lake. During a brief return to port, Ioset engaged with local high school students who visited the vessel, sharing in their wonderment at the secrets lying beneath the surface of familiar waters. Ioset noted, "Shipwrecks belong in the Mediterranean or the Arctic… don’t they?" creating a sense of local pride and a reminder of the lake's rich maritime heritage.
