Box Stove Wreck by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: BENICIA BOY
• •Vessel Type: Sailing Vessel (Sloop)
• •Length: 52 feet (15.8 meters)
• •Location: Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River
• •Coordinates: N 44° 8’7.32”, W 76°19’40.68”
• •Depth: Not specified; wreck described as upright on a muddy bottom

Vessel Type Description

The BENICIA BOY was a small, nimble sloop designed by Barney Eveleigh and built in Sackets Harbour. Sloops of this type were valued for their agility and ability to operate in shallow waters, making them ideal for transporting cargo through the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence River. The BENICIA BOY was a versatile and sturdy vessel, integral to regional commerce, with a Gross Tonnage of 21 tons.

History

The BENICIA BOY was built in Sackets Harbour specifically to serve the local trade networks in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. It primarily transported cedar wood, an important commodity for construction and other uses during the 19th century.

In May 1883, while returning to Cape Vincent in stormy weather, the vessel lost its anchors and was driven into the dock by violent winds. The collision destroyed the sloop, shattering its structure. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed by jumping to the dock moments before the impact.

The wreck was later identified by divers Raymond I. “Skip” Couch and Dennis R. McCarthy, who initially referred to it as the “Box Stove Wreck” due to a cast-iron stove discovered within the remains. Subsequent research confirmed the wreck to be the BENICIA BOY.

Final Disposition

The BENICIA BOY was destroyed on the dock at Cape Vincent in 1883 during a storm. The remains of the wreck, including parts of the structure, the Keel, and a cast-iron box stove, were later discovered and documented.

Located By & Date

The wreck was identified by divers Raymond I. “Skip” Couch and Dennis R. McCarthy. The date of discovery is not specified.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The wreck lies upright on a muddy bottom, with the Keel section buried. The rudder is flat near the Stern, and parts of the port side are scattered nearby. The structure is relatively well-preserved.

•Accessibility: Likely shallow, making it suitable for recreational divers.

Notices & Advisories

•NOTMARs: No current Notices to Mariners are associated with this wreck.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database (Bowling Green State University)
• 3DShipwrecks – Box Stove Wreck
• Thousand Islands Historical Society

Conclusion

The BENICIA BOY represents a significant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. As a small, agile sloop, it played a crucial role in the transportation of valuable cargoes like cedar wood. Despite its tragic end in a violent storm, the preservation of its wreck offers historians and divers an invaluable glimpse into 19th-century trade and vessel design. The discovery and identification of the wreck by dedicated divers ensure the BENICIA BOY’s story is remembered as part of the rich heritage of the region.

Tags

#Great Lakes Shipwreck #Maritime History #19th Century Sloop #Cape Vincent NY #St. Lawrence River #Shipwreck Diving #Historical Shipwreck #Cedar Wood Cargo #Shallow Water Dive #Barney Eveleigh

3D Model Box Stove Wreck