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1780 British Warship Found
Extraordinarily well-preserved Revolutionary War sloop located in Lake Ontario
By Harry Kimball
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Posted Jun 14, 08 6:22 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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Two intrepid explorers using sonar and a remote-controlled submersible have discovered what may be the oldest shipwreck in the Great Lakes, the AP reports. HMS Ontario, a British warship carrying as many as 130, sank in a storm in Lake Ontario in 1780. Since 1781, when six sailors’ bodies washed ashore, there had been no sign of the 80-foot sloop before the find announced yesterday.
The Ontario, whose location has not been revealed, was found by Dan Scoville, who developed the submersible, and Jim Kennard, who has been searching for the ship for 35 years. One expert marveled at video of the find, showing the wreck to be remarkably well preserved by the deep, cold water. “If it wasn't for the zebra mussels, she looks like she only sunk last week."