The chill, freshwater depths of Lake Ontario may not first come to mind when thinking about shipwrecks, but an expedition by the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) at the University of Rhode
The chill, freshwater depths of Lake Ontario may not first come to mind when thinking about shipwrecks, but an expedition by the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) is challenging that perception. Its star explorer? A compact but mighty Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) named Rhody. What began as a mission to support NOAA’s interest in high-resolution shipwreck documentation within the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary has evolved into a dynamic academic research experience merging innovation, partnership and the expanding role of robotics in nearshore and inland underwater operations.
Preserved Beneath the Surface
Lake Ontario, one of North America’s Great Lakes, features a trove of submerged history. Beneath its waves lie hundreds—potentially thousands—of shipwrecks, many dating back to the era of westward expansion. These include wooden sailing schooners and early steam barges, vessels that once carried goods and dreams across the inland seas.
“We documented 17 shipwrecks during the expedition,” said Holly Pettus, project manager at OECI. "But within the lake in its entirety, there are hundreds or potentially thousands down there.”
You’re not alone if these numbers surprise you. Your correspondent, who for five years lived on the lake’s southern shore in Rochester, New York,
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