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1780 British Warship Found

Extraordinarily well-preserved Revolutionary War sloop located in Lake Ontario

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2008 6:22 AM CDT
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(Newser) – 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."

A starboard profile of the Ontario, built in 1780.
A starboard profile of the Ontario, built in 1780.   (AP Photo/ courtesy of Arthur Britton Smith)
The decoratively carved scroll bow stem of the sunken 228-year-old British warship HMS Ontario.
The decoratively carved scroll bow stem of the sunken 228-year-old British warship HMS Ontario.   (AP Photo/ courtesy of Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville)
The Ontario's starboard side.
The Ontario's starboard side.   (AP Photo/ courtesy of Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville)
The crows nest and foremast of the sunken 228-year-old British warship HMS Ontario.
The crows nest and foremast of the sunken 228-year-old British warship HMS Ontario.   (AP Photo/ courtesy of Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville)
Map locates approximate area where archaeologists found a well preserved British warship in Lake Ontario.
Map locates approximate area where archaeologists found a well preserved British warship in Lake Ontario.   (AP Photo)
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Too "flat-bottomed," ehh? An exhaustive list of Great Lakes shipping losses
Great Lakes Shipwreck File

The Great Lakes: shipwreck central
CNN

The cold, preserving waters also spawned the reclaimed lumber industry
Lake Michigan Shore

 
archaeology • shipwreck • storm • Lake Ontario • Britain • Revolutionary War • discovery • HMS Ontario

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