A newly discovered shipwreck has been located off the coast of Cape Breton in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The sunken vessel was spotted by the Canadian Hydrographic Service, a branch of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans responsible for mapping Canada’s aquatic territories. The ship’s details remain largely unknown, but it appears to be well-preserved.
Shauna Neary, a manager within the service, mentioned that the wreck was stumbled upon in May during routine surveillance activities in an area northeast of Cape Breton called the Sydney Bight, which has experienced a surge in marine traffic, including cruise ships. This find marks one of three wrecks uncovered this year during the mapping of Canadian waters.
Neary described the sunken ship as approximately 46 meters long and 8 meters wide, resting at a depth of about 60 meters. Further investigation is required to determine the vessel’s origin, cargo, and the circumstances surrounding its sinking. Neary emphasized the importance of caution, issuing a navigational warning to prevent fishing gear from getting entangled with the wreck.
Roger Litwiller, a freelance naval historian based in Trenton, Ontario, noted that the Maritime provinces have witnessed numerous shipwrecks over the past 80 years, some of which are well-documented. Identifying markers such as the ship’s name or bell are crucial in the process of determining the wreck’s identity.
The discovery of the ship was made possible through the use of sonar technologies, aiding the hydrographic service in understanding water depths and mapping underwater features. Neary highlighted the significance of high-resolution surveys in uncovering hidden treasures beneath the seabed of Canadian waters.
Litwiller echoed the sentiment, suggesting that advancements in sonar mapping, including cutting-edge Canadian technologies, will likely lead to more shipwreck discoveries in the future. He emphasized the importance of such technology in enhancing our understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the environment concealed beneath the water’s surface.