Historic Shipwrecks Discovered in Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary

Last week, the research vessel Lake Guardian set sail from Oswego, New York, embarking on a journey into the depths of history. This vessel, part of the Environmental Protection Agency's research fleet, is tasked with exploring the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, a vast area covering 1,722 square miles along the New York-Canada border. Beneath its surface lie 63 sunken ships, many of which found their resting places due to the challenging conditions of the 19th-century Great Lakes.The expedition, coordinated by experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and students from the University of Rhode Island, intends to create three-dimensional maps of the shipwrecks, starting with a select group of around a dozen. They are utilizing an underwater drone, affectionately named Rhody, which is equipped with high-definition cameras capturing stunning underwater images that will be integral to building these models. The team even initiated a YouTube livestream, sharing their findings live and expressing their astonishment at the discoveries made during the survey.According to Benjamin Ioset, a NOAA maritime archaeologist and a lifelong enthusiast of Lake Ontario, this expedition is an opportunity to delve into the region's rich industrial past. As the Lake Guardian made a brief stop to welcome Oswego High School students aboard, Ioset noted the excitement of the students and their fascination with the underwater history right beneath their feet. "The discoveries here may change our understanding of maritime history," he remarked, highlighting the educational importance and potential for future research in the area.The dive into Lake Ontario not only uncovers artifacts from the region's past but also serves to engage the local community, making the history tangible and alive, right in their own backyards.