Strong winds briefly revealed a hidden Lake Erie shipwreck near Kingsville, Ont., drawing curiosity from residents and historians before waters rose again.
Rare Lake Erie Shipwreck Emerges Briefly Near Kingsville
Unusual Conditions Reveal a Hidden Structure
Strong winds sweeping across Lake Erie this week temporarily exposed a rarely seen shipwreck off the Kingsville, Ont., shoreline. The event unfolded Wednesday evening after an Environment Canada wind alert led to unusually low water levels along the lake’s edge.
Local Diver Makes the Unexpected Discovery
Kingsville resident and dive shop owner Matt Vermette spotted the structure during a shoreline walk. What first appeared to be an old dock quickly revealed itself as the remains of a schooner stretching an estimated 22 metres long and sitting about 150 metres from shore.
A Glimpse Into Maritime History
Vermette contacted local historians, who believe the wreck may date back to the late 1800s. Two vessels — The Demming and The Overton — match the approximate size and location described in archival reports. Both were known to have sunk in the Pigeon Bay area more than a century ago.
Why the Area Holds So Many Shipwrecks
Local historian Robert Lynch says the shallow, reef-filled waters of Pigeon Bay have long posed challenges for sailors. High waves combined with sudden depth changes often caused vessels to run aground, contributing to the unusually high concentration of shipwrecks in this part of Lake Erie.
Public Interest Surges After Photos Go Online
Vermette shared images and videos of the exposed wreck on social media, prompting residents to search for the rare sight. Among them was Kingsville local Jennifer Wright, who visited the shoreline Thursday afternoon — only to find the wreck already submerged again as water levels returned to normal.
Brief Window Before Waters Closed In Again
By Thursday morning, the lake had fully covered the structure, making it invisible from the shoreline and nearly impossible to view underwater due to poor visibility from heavy mud. Vermette says the brief exposure provided a rare chance to capture details that divers would rarely be able to see clearly beneath the surface.
