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Rare Shipwreck Revealed by Lake Erie Gales
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Strong winds temporarily exposed a previously unseen shipwreck on Lake Erie.
- The vessel, estimated at 51 meters long, could predate 1900.
- The wreck was submerged again by rising waters within hours.
Unusual strong winds along the Lake Erie shoreline have temporarily exposed a shipwreck that is rarely seen by the public. Matt Vermette, owner of The Dive Shop in Kingsville, Ontario, discovered the vessel approximately 150 meters from shore. He estimated its length at 51 meters and identified it as a schooner due to its distinct structure.
Historians suggest the wreck could be one of two vessels that sank before 1900, known as The Demming or the Overton. Lake Erie's Pigeon Bay area, where the wreck was found, is known for its shallow depths and frequent high waves, contributing to a high number of shipwrecks in the region compared to other parts of the lake.
The discovery quickly gained traction on social media, with many residents attempting to see the wreck. However, by the following morning, rising water levels had completely submerged the ship again. Vermette noted that the wreck's visibility underwater is extremely poor due to sediment, making this aerial sighting a unique and fortunate event.
