Shipwrecks are rarely celebrated. But in diving into the deepest Finger Lake, state-backed researchers are rediscovering New York’s maritime and Erie Canal History.

Nearly 400 feet below Seneca Lake, a new expedition found 16 wrecks, many from the early 19th century. It’s part of an effort to amplify the history of the canal in New York. Among the findings, the only known packet boat in existence.

Diving teams using underwater drones will explore Seneca’s waters and remap the lake, all part of data base to mark the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in 2025.

“These were the Greyhound buses of the theme, all taking passenger, families, all those people traveling west and local routes, because there were many canals here,” Brian Stratton, from the NY Canal Corporation, said.

Previous expeditions have uncovered at least a dozen such canal boats underwater.