IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: Asp (formerly Elizabeth)

•Type: British Wooden Schooner

•Captain: Captain Prossey

•Date of Wreck: October 10, 1820

•Location: Salmon River, near Mexico Bay, New York (Lake Ontario)

•Coordinates: Exact GPS coordinates unknown

•Depth: Shallow waters; driven onto the bar at Salmon River

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Asp was a British wooden Schooner originally launched as the Elizabeth. Schooners like the Asp were essential to early 19th-century maritime trade, offering speed, maneuverability, and sufficient cargo capacity. These vessels, typically rigged with two or more masts, were highly valued for navigating the often unpredictable weather and shallow ports of Lake Ontario. The Asp exemplified the utility and vulnerabilities of such vessels in a growing economic landscape.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

The Asp began service as the Elizabeth, operating primarily as a Canadian merchant Schooner. It was instrumental in transporting goods such as lumber, a vital commodity for the construction of homes, infrastructure, and military outposts in the burgeoning settlements around Lake Ontario. These voyages supported the economic expansion of the Great Lakes frontier.

Final Voyage

On October 10, 1820, under Captain Prossey, the Asp embarked on its final journey from Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake), Ontario, to Kingston, Ontario. The vessel carried a heavy load of lumber, intended for construction projects in Kingston. As the Schooner traversed Lake Ontario, it encountered a fierce storm near Long Point. Buffeted by high winds and massive waves, the Asp was driven off course and grounded on the bar at Salmon River, near Mexico Bay, New York.

Tragic Loss

The storm proved catastrophic for the Asp. Despite attempts to save the vessel and its crew, nine of the eleven individuals aboard perished, including Captain Prossey. Only two people survived:

•James Young (a crewman)

•Miss Jane Gibson (a passenger from Ireland)

The bodies of the other crew and passengers were recovered and buried, though two bodies were never found. The harrowing loss underscored the severe risks of navigating Lake Ontario, where sudden storms and rudimentary weather prediction technologies often proved fatal.

Historical Importance

The Asp’s demise highlighted the reliance on schooners for regional development and the perilous nature of Great Lakes commerce during the early 19th century. These vessels were indispensable for connecting isolated communities, transporting essential materials like timber, and facilitating trade across borders. However, their operations often came at great personal risk to those aboard.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Condition: Severely damaged during the storm. The Asp’s masts and spars were entangled in rigging, its Deck was swept clean, and its Hull split open. Salvage operations recovered some valuable items, but the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

•Current Status: Likely fully deteriorated. Wooden shipwrecks from this era typically degrade rapidly in shallow waters, especially if exposed to currents and shifting sediment.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovered By: Local residents after the wreck on October 10, 1820.

•Wreck Documentation: First noted in Oswego Palladium (October 19, 1820) and Kingston Chronicle (October 20, 1820).

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Asp. However, the waters near Salmon River and Mexico Bay remain challenging during storms. Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: Likely minimal to no significant remains due to time, environmental factors, and lack of preservation efforts.

•Accessibility: While no precise wreck location is identified, shallow waters in the Salmon River area make the site unsuitable for significant archaeological exploration or diving.

RESOURCES & LINKS

Newspapers:

•Oswego Palladium (October 19, 1820)

•Kingston Chronicle (October 20, 1820)

•Cleveland Weekly Herald (November 14, 1820)

Books:

•Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley

•Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Volume 1

•The Town of York by Edith G. Firth

Historical Notes:

•Donald V. Baut Notes on Great Lakes Ships

•John E. Poole Notes, Bowling Green State University

Websites:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the Asp near Mexico Bay in 1820 remains a poignant chapter in the history of Lake Ontario maritime trade. As a key player in the early transportation of vital resources, the Schooner epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the era’s economic and logistical challenges. Its tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by mariners navigating these inland seas. While the physical remnants of the Asp may be long gone, its story continues to resonate, offering valuable insights into the lives of those who depended on Great Lakes commerce.

TAGS

#Asp #GreatLakesSchooner #SalmonRiverShipwreck #LakeOntario #BritishSchooner #1820Storm #MexicoBayWreck #MaritimeHistory