Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Black Duck
• Type: Scow Sloop
• Length: 51 feet (16 meters)
• Tonnage: 21.65 gt
• Final Location: Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario
• Discovery Date: August 2013
• Discoverers: Dan Scoville and Chris Koberstein

Vessel Type Description

The Black Duck was a small scow sloop, a flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged vessel with a shallow Draft, designed for navigating shallow waters. Its rudder and large surface area were specifically suited for operations in such conditions, making it ideal for transporting cargo across Lake Ontario and to nearby ports. The vessel’s simple design and single mast indicated its utility in small-scale cargo transportation.

History

The Black Duck was an active participant in the Great Lakes shipping trade during the mid-19th century, with its ownership based in Sackett’s Harbor. Records first mention the vessel in Oswego marine news as early as 1866, though details about its builder remain unknown.

On July 26, 1872, the Black Duck set sail from Cape Vincent, loaded with a cargo of 30 tons of coal bound for Dexter, NY. During its journey across Lake Ontario, the vessel encountered rough seas and strong winds, causing water to inundate its hold. Despite efforts to save the ship, the weight of the water overwhelmed the small sloop.

The crew launched the ship’s Yawl in a desperate attempt to save themselves and successfully reached the shore, escaping the sinking vessel. Historical records also mention speculation that the Black Duck may have carried whiskey, but there is no corroborating evidence. Its final cargo hold remains obscured by silt, making verification impossible.

Discovery

The wreck of the Black Duck remained undiscovered for over 140 years until it was located by Dan Scoville and Chris Koberstein in August 2013 using side scan sonar during an exploratory search off Oswego, NY.

Current Condition & Features

The Black Duck is well-preserved, offering a detailed view of its design and construction. Notable features include:

1.Standing Mast: The single mast remains upright, a rare sight for such an old wreck.

2.Cabin Design:

•A cabin spans from port to starboard, requiring navigation over the cabin roof to access the Stern rail.

•The tiller extends from the rudder post to the forward wall of the cabin, enabling steering from the Deck.

3.Cargo Hold:

•Divided by a central partition, likely containing the ship’s Centerboard.

•Silt-filled hold obscures any Visibility of remaining cargo.

4.Rudder Design: A shallow-Draft rudder with a large surface area highlights its intended use for navigating shallow waters.

Final Voyage Summary

•Date of Sinking: July 26, 1872

•Cargo: 30 tons of coal (per official record), with speculative claims of whiskey.

•Cause of Loss:

•Heavy cargo, rough seas, and continuous water ingress overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its sinking.

•Crew survived by escaping in the Yawl.

Conservation Status

The Black Duck rests in Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario, in remarkable condition for its age. The site offers insights into 19th-century maritime trade and vessel design. Its unique features, such as the intact mast and cabin configuration, make it a valuable resource for historical and archaeological studies.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• CBS News: Coverage on the wreck’s discovery
• “Old Shipping Days in Oswego” by Finn

www.sonarguy.com 3D Model of the Black Duck

Black Duck – Lake Ontario by Capt. Tim Caza on Sketchfab

Analysis

The story of the Black Duck highlights the risks faced by small-scale merchant vessels on the Great Lakes. Its relatively small size and limited tonnage were no match for the rough conditions on Lake Ontario. The combination of poor weather and overloading contributed to its untimely loss.

The wreck’s discovery has brought to light a preserved artifact of maritime history, providing a rare glimpse into the design and functionality of scow sloops during the 19th century. Continued exploration may reveal more about its final voyage and the cargo it carried.

Keywords

#Black Duck #Mexico Bay Shipwreck #Lake Ontario Maritime History #Scow Sloop #Coal Cargo Shipwreck #19th-Century Shipwreck #Dan Scoville #Chris Koberstein #Oswego, NY #Shipwreck Preservation