Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Catherine

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Owner: Mr. Lyons, Presque Isle

• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, typical of early 19th-century schooners

• Tonnage, Length, Beam, Depth: Not documented

• Final Location of Wreck: Near Pultneyville, New York, Lake Ontario

• Date of Wreck: November 1820

Vessel Type Description

The Catherine was a wooden Schooner, a versatile and widely used vessel type during the early 19th century. Schooners like the Catherine were equipped with fore-and-aft rigged sails and designed for efficient navigation across the Great Lakes. The vessel likely transported cargo between ports, serving the economic needs of regional communities.

History

The Catherine was owned by Mr. Lyons of Presque Isle, a prominent figure in regional maritime trade. The vessel frequently sailed across Lake Ontario, carrying goods between various ports.

In November 1820, the Catherine embarked on a routine voyage, but the Schooner encountered a sudden and violent gale during the infamous storm that swept across Lake Ontario. The storm brought heavy snowfall and fierce winds, making navigation treacherous for all vessels on the lake.

Final Disposition

The Catherine went aground near Pultneyville, New York, during the storm. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it was wrecked beyond recovery. No casualties were reported among the crew, which was a fortunate outcome given the severity of the storm.

The loss of the Catherine underscored the challenges of navigating nearshore waters during severe weather. The lack of sufficient navigational aids and weather forecasting capabilities in the early 19th century made such incidents all too common.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Catherine. The incident is remembered as part of the historical maritime losses on Lake Ontario.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the Catherine’s wreck remains undocumented. The vessel was likely destroyed shortly after grounding, with no significant remnants left for modern exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The Catherine was wrecked beyond recovery, and no remains have been documented or preserved.

• Accessibility: Not applicable, as the wreck is presumed to no longer exist.

Impact of Loss

The wreck of the Catherine had a dual impact:

1. Economic: The loss disrupted regional trade and likely resulted in financial losses for its owner and the communities relying on its cargo.

2. Technological: The incident highlighted the dire need for better navigational tools and weather prediction to ensure safer voyages on the Great Lakes.

Historical Significance

The grounding of the Catherine during the 1820 storm is emblematic of the perils faced by early mariners on Lake Ontario. The Schooner’s loss serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation, particularly during unpredictable autumn storms.

Resources & Links

• Kingston Chronicle (1820): Contemporary accounts of the storm and its impact on vessels like the Catherine.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival data on schooners and early Great Lakes shipping.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of historical wrecks in the region.

Conclusion

The wreck of the Catherine in November 1820 adds to the legacy of maritime tragedies on Lake Ontario. Though the vessel was lost, the survival of its crew is a testament to their resilience amidst one of the most severe storms in the lake’s history. The Catherine’s story remains an integral part of the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.

Keywords

• Schooner Catherine

• Pultneyville, New York

• Lake Ontario Shipwreck

• 1820 Storm

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes