Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Cortez

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: Not specified

• Owner: M.J. Cummings, Oswego, New York

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on the shores of Lake Ontario near Sandy Creek, approximately 20 miles east of Oswego

• Cause of Wreck: Grounding in rough weather

• Cargo at Time of Loss: 19,000 bushels of wheat

• Location: Sandy Creek, Lake Ontario, near Ellisburgh, New York

• Date of Wreck: November 13, 1880

Vessel Type Description

The Cortez was a wooden-hulled Schooner, designed to carry large loads of bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Cortez were integral to 19th-century lake commerce, typically carrying commodities such as grain, coal, and lumber between ports. With its ample capacity, the Cortez was suited for transporting substantial quantities of cargo efficiently, though its wooden construction made it susceptible to damage from grounding and heavy seas.

History

In November 1880, the Cortez, owned by M.J. Cummings of Oswego, set sail from Milwaukee with a valuable load of 19,000 bushels of wheat, bound for Oswego. As the vessel neared the eastern shore of Lake Ontario on November 13, it encountered treacherous conditions and ran aground at Sandy Creek, roughly 20 miles east of Oswego. The grounding caused extensive structural damage to the vessel, and it began breaking apart under the relentless pounding of the waves. Fortunately, the crew survived, escaping the disaster unharmed.

Captain George McLeod, who represented the underwriters, along with other captains, inspected the wreck soon after. They determined that the damage was irreparable; the cabin, Deck frames, and aft portions were severely compromised, with parts of the vessel partially submerged. Deemed a Total Loss by the underwriters, the Cortez was Abandoned, along with its valuable cargo of wheat, which was scattered along the shore and rendered unsalvageable.

As time passed, the wreck deteriorated further, breaking into pieces and leaving little trace of the once-proud vessel. Though the Schooner and its cargo were insured, the loss marked a significant blow to its owners and to the local economy.

Investigations and Controversy

The wreck of the Cortez sparked significant controversy and public outcry, particularly concerning the response of the life-saving crew stationed at Big Sandy Creek. Accusations of negligence and inefficiency circulated widely, with some even questioning the courage of the rescue crew. To address these allegations, Captain D.P. Dobbins, the superintendent of life-saving stations, led a formal investigation. His findings exonerated the crew, attributing their delayed response to the extreme conditions of the day and the challenging terrain they had to navigate to reach the wreck.

Support for the life-saving crew poured in from the local community of Ellisburgh, with citizens emphasizing the dangers faced by the crew in attempting to reach the Cortez. Their advocacy highlighted the perilous conditions that often hampered rescue efforts on the Great Lakes, where even seasoned rescue crews faced significant risks.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The wreck of the Cortez and the ensuing investigations underscore the inherent risks of maritime life on the Great Lakes, particularly during the unpredictable fall season. The controversy surrounding the life-saving crew’s response reflects the high expectations placed on rescue teams and the difficulties they encountered when battling not only the forces of nature but also public scrutiny.

The Cortez joins the many vessels lost in the harsh and often unforgiving waters of Lake Ontario. Although the Schooner is long gone, its story lives on as a testament to the bravery of those who navigate the lakes and those who stand ready to risk their lives in rescue attempts. The final voyage of the Cortez serves as a lasting reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and life-saving crews alike on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

For additional information on the Cortez and related shipwrecks:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A detailed repository on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Cortez (Maritime History of the Great Lakes)

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database providing information on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the wreck of the Cortez

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical records of Great Lakes vessels, their voyages, and fates (Great Lakes Ships Database)

• Newspaper Archives: Historical newspaper accounts from the time provide contemporary insights into the wreck and the subsequent investigation