An Underwater Robot Explores the Hidden 'Shipwreck City' Beneath the Surface of This Popular Urban Lake in the Pacific Northwest
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Researchers are using a remotely operated vehicle to explore shipwrecks in Seattle's Lake Union, a site known for its vibrant activity above water. Dubbed 'Shipwreck City,' the lakebed contains various submerged vessels, including a World War II-era minesweeper. The team aims to document this hidden maritime history while addressing challenges posed by environmental degradation.
- ▪The exploration is led by Phil Parisi, a robotics researcher, alongside Libbie Barnes and George Spano.
- ▪The team has spent 21 underwater hours exploring 34 targets and has identified two previously unknown wrecks.
- ▪They have documented a 91-foot-long barge called Foss 54 and a 40-foot wooden vessel with military origins.
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An Underwater Robot Explores the Hidden ‘Shipwreck City’ Beneath the Surface of This Popular Urban Lake in the Pacific Northwest Using a remotely operated vehicle, researchers are exploring a long-overlooked piece of Seattle’s maritime history Sarah Kuta | Daily Correspondent May 22, 2026 5:25 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source A team is exploring shipwrecks in Lake Union, including this steel workboat submerged 30 feet deep. Shipwreck City Seattle’s Lake Union is typically abuzz with activity, from the gentle splash of kayak paddles to the roar of seaplanes skimming across the water. It’s one of the city’s most popular sites, yet most visitors don’t realize a hidden world is lurking beneath the surface.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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