Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: York Packet (formerly Comet)
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, fore-and-aft rigged sails
• Tonnage, Length, Beam, Depth: Not documented
• Location of Loss: Niagara, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Date of Wreck: November 1820

Vessel Type Description

The York Packet, previously named the Comet, was a wooden Schooner integral to the growing trade and passenger networks on Lake Ontario. Its renaming suggests a change in ownership or operational purpose during its service life.

History

The York Packet was a key player in Lake Ontario’s maritime trade, serving routes between York (now Toronto), Kingston, and Niagara.

During the November 1820 gale, the York Packet was driven ashore near Niagara, Ontario. The Schooner sustained severe damage during the storm and was declared unfit for further service, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

The York Packet was grounded and heavily damaged, leading to its abandonment. Salvage efforts likely focused on recovering usable materials, as was common practice for wrecked vessels during this era.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to the York Packet wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No remains of the York Packet have been located or documented in modern times. It is presumed that the wreck deteriorated over time or was salvaged shortly after the incident.

Impact of Loss

The severe damage to the York Packet and its subsequent abandonment illustrate the vulnerability of even well-maintained vessels to sudden and violent weather events on Lake Ontario. The loss disrupted regional maritime operations, emphasizing the perils faced by 19th-century sailors.

Historical Context for Both Vessels

The simultaneous loss of the Kingston Packet and York Packet during the November 1820 storm underscores the devastating impact of this particular gale on Lake Ontario shipping. These incidents contributed to the historical narrative of maritime challenges and dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century.