In brief
Researchers are using advanced drone technology to map previously hidden shipwrecks beneath the lake's surface.
Last week, researchers aboard the environmental research vessel Lake Guardian set sail from Oswego, New York, on an expedition into the depths of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Spanning an expansive 1,722 square miles, this sanctuary is home to the remains of 63 historic ships, many of which sank during treacherous conditions in the 19th century. These vessels played crucial roles in the area’s development before succumbing to the harsh realities of marine travel.The team, composed of maritime archaeologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute and students from the University of Rhode Island, is tasked with documenting these underwater relics. Utilizing Rhody, a state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with high-definition imaging capabilities, they are producing detailed three-dimensional models of select wrecks. The initial focus will be on approximately a dozen ships, each offering unique insights into the region’s maritime history.In an exciting development, the researchers recently shared a livestream on YouTube showcasing their findings. Enthusiastically describing their discoveries, the researchers expressed astonishment at the images captured. “There’s lifetimes worth of research potential here,” noted NOAA maritime archaeologist Benjamin Ioset, who has a long-standing passion for the waters of central New York. The shipwrecks, often thought to be found only in more renowned locations like the Mediterranean or Arctic, are presenting a wealth of opportunities for study and exploration.During the Lake Guardian’s brief return to port, Ioset hosted a group of Oswego High School students, igniting their interest in the hidden narratives beneath the surface. The expedition not only aims to recover artifacts from the past but also to inspire a new generation to appreciate the depths of their local heritage. As curiosity blooms among young minds, the stories of these sunken vessels rise to the surface, reminding everyone of the valuable history that lies just beneath the lake’s serene depths.
