Identification & Site Information:

•Name: Nellie P. Downey

•Other Names: None

•Type: Wooden-hulled Schooner

•Built: 1873, Napanee, Ontario

•Builder: R. Robinson at the yard of Wm. Ross

•Dimensions:

•Length: 84 feet (25.6 meters)

•Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

•Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 120 tons

•Net Tonnage: 98 tons

•Final Resting Place: Approximately 8 miles off Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description:

The Nellie P. Downey was a wooden-hulled Schooner built in 1873 in Napanee, Ontario, by R. Robinson at the yard of Wm. Ross. Measuring 84 feet (25.6 meters) in length with a beam of 20 feet (6.1 meters) and a depth of 7 feet (2.1 meters), it had a Gross Tonnage of 120 tons and a Net Tonnage of 98 tons. The vessel was primarily engaged in transporting bulk cargoes such as grain and coal across the Great Lakes.

History:

Launched on August 5, 1873, the Nellie P. Downey was a product of R. Robinson’s skilled shipbuilding at Wm. Ross’s yard in Napanee, Ontario. The vessel was owned by Downey & Allen of Kingston and had a capacity of approximately 8,000 bushels, making it a valuable asset in the busy trade routes of the Great Lakes. Its solid reputation was further enhanced by its A 2 classification, a testament to its seaworthiness and robust build.

On June 12, 1884, while navigating approximately 8 miles off Oswego, New York, the Nellie P. Downey encountered heavy fog. Captain Robert Bartley mistook the lights of the Tug Glide, which was towing two barges, for a harbor Tug coming to assist. Attempting to position the Schooner behind the Glide to pick up what they believed was a tow cable, the Nellie P. Downey was struck amidships by the leading Barge, the Oswego. The collision caused the Schooner to rapidly take on water, sinking within minutes. All five individuals aboard, including two women, managed to escape to the Barge Oswego, though they lost all personal belongings. The only item recovered was the foghorn held by Captain Bartley. The Schooner, valued at $6,000 with an A 2 rating, was presumed lost permanently.

Final Disposition:

Despite initial reports suggesting the possibility of recovery, there are no subsequent records indicating successful salvage of the Nellie P. Downey. The vessel remains presumed lost permanently, with no known modern discoveries of the wreck.

Located By & Date:

There are no definitive modern records of the wreck’s location, nor of individuals or organizations discovering it.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck site of the Nellie P. Downey.

Resources & Links:

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships