At the bottom of Lake Erie lies a vast array of shipwrecks, some dating back to the early 1800s. It is estimated that there are over 200 shipwrecks in the lake, making it one of the most popular dive sites in North America.
The majority of these wrecks are from the 19th century, when Lake Erie was a major shipping route for goods and passengers. Many ships were lost due to storms, collisions, and other accidents. Some of these vessels were never recovered and remain at the bottom of the lake to this day.
The most famous wreck in Lake Erie is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975 after being caught in a storm. The wreck was discovered in 1995 and has become a popular dive site for experienced divers. Other notable wrecks include the USS Michigan, which sank during the War of 1812; and the SS Ontario, which sank in 1841 after colliding with another vessel.
In addition to these larger vessels, there are also many smaller boats that have been lost over time. These include fishing boats, pleasure craft, barges, tugboats, and more. Many of these smaller vessels have been discovered by divers exploring Lake Erie’s depths.
Lake Erie is home to an incredible variety of shipwrecks that offer an interesting glimpse into our maritime history. While it is impossible to know exactly how many ships are at the bottom of Lake Erie, it is clear that there are hundreds waiting to be explored by adventurous divers.