In brief
An expedition aboard the Lake Guardian is mapping shipwrecks in Lake Ontario with the help of underwater drones, revealing the rich maritime history lying beneath the surface and inspiring a new generation of local students.
Researchers aboard the Lake Guardian, a vessel operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, are diving into the depths of Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, a vast area encompassing 1,722 square miles and housing a collection of 63 shipwrecks. This recent expedition aims not only to explore but also to document the maritime history that long lay hidden.Utilizing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Rhody, equipped with a high-definition camera, the maritime archaeologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, along with students from the University of Rhode Island, are set to create detailed three-dimensional models of several sunken vessels. Many of these ships met their fates in the rough, harsh weather of the 19th century, becoming part of the lake's rich narrative.As the expedition commenced, Benjamin Ioset, a NOAA maritime archaeologist who has deep roots in the local community, expressed the profound significance of the research potential. “There’s lifetimes worth of research potential here,” he noted, reflecting on the value of uncovering local history for both researchers and residents alike.On a recent return to port, the Lake Guardian hosted visiting students from Oswego High School. The students were enthralled to discover that such historic shipwrecks lie beneath the water in their own backyard, far too often overlooked in favor of more famed maritime sites elsewhere. Ioset, inspired by the students' curiosity and interest, is hopeful that these explorations will not only shed light on the maritime past but also foster a connection between young generations and the history woven into the waters of Lake Ontario.
