Here’s a structured and detailed entry for the Schooner ST. PETER, following your preferred format for shipwreck articles:

ST. PETER

Quick Facts:

• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Length: 135.7 ft (41.4 m)
• Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m)
• Depth of Hold: 12.1 ft (3.69 m)
• Depth of Wreck: 100 ft (30 m)
• Location: Pultneyville, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 43° 18’ 43” W 77° 7’ 52”
• Cargo: 607 short tons of chestnut coal
• Deaths: Multiple, including Mrs. Griffin
• Rescues: Captain John Griffin
• Incident Date: October 27, 1898

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

• Name: ST. PETER
• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Construction: Wood
• Builder: David F. Edwards
• Year Built: 1873
• Construction Location: Toledo, Ohio
• Owners: Skidmore & Abair, Toledo
• Home Port: Toledo, Ohio

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:

The ST. PETER was a three-masted Schooner designed for transporting bulk cargo such as coal and grain between ports on the Great Lakes. With a robust wooden Hull, the vessel measured 135.7 feet in length, making it a significant cargo carrier for its era. It was a familiar sight on Lake Ontario, exemplifying the workhorse schooners of the late 19th century.

HISTORY:

The ST. PETER was launched in 1873 from Toledo, Ohio, and operated as a cargo vessel for over two decades. Owned by Skidmore & Abair, it carried vital goods across the Great Lakes, contributing to the thriving commerce of the region. By the late 19th century, the Schooner was an integral part of the maritime trade network.

The Fateful Voyage:

On October 27, 1898, the ST. PETER departed Oswego, New York, laden with 607 short tons of chestnut coal, bound for Toledo, Ohio. Shortly into the journey, the vessel encountered one of Lake Ontario’s infamous autumn storms. Winds reached 70 mph, and waves towered at 20 feet, creating a relentless onslaught.

The storm overwhelmed the crew, including Captain John Griffin and his wife, Mrs. Griffin, who were aboard. For 12 harrowing hours, the crew fought to keep the ship afloat amidst freezing sleet and gale-force winds. Despite their valiant efforts, the ST. PETER succumbed to the elements and sank.

Rescue and Tragedy:

The Lifesaving Service played a pivotal role, managing to rescue Captain Griffin from the freezing waters in an unconscious state. Tragically, Mrs. Griffin and other crew members were lost to the storm. The captain survived but carried the emotional scars of the loss for the rest of his life.

Enduring Mystery:

Mrs. Griffin’s disappearance adds an unsolved mystery to the shipwreck. Despite extensive searches, her body was never recovered, and her fate remains a poignant element of the ST. PETER’s story.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

• Date of Loss: October 27, 1898

• Cause of Loss: Foundered during a severe storm on Lake Ontario

• Condition: The wreck lies upright at 100 feet (30 meters), relatively intact.

• Casualties: Multiple fatalities, including Mrs. Griffin

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY:

The wreck of the ST. PETER rests upright on the lakebed at a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) near Pultneyville, New York. The cold freshwater of Lake Ontario has preserved much of the vessel, offering divers a glimpse into late 19th-century ship construction. The site is a popular destination for experienced divers and maritime historians.

NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMARs):

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE:

• Location: Near Pultneyville, New York, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates: N 43° 18’ 43” W 77° 7’ 52”

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• NOAA Marine Sanctuary
• Wayne County Historical Sites
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• ScubaNews Canada
• Historical Markers Database
• Virtual Dive Resources
• Diver Training Magazine

3D Model

St. Peter by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

This entry encapsulates the tragedy and historical significance of the ST. PETER. If you’d like to refine or expand any sections, let me know!