CAYUGA

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The Ill-Fated Schooner CAYUGA

The Ill-Fated Schooner CAYUGA #

The story of the schooner CAYUGA is one of a valiant vessel that met a tragic end on Lake Ontario. Built in 1841 in Oswego, New York, the CAYUGA was a two-masted wooden brig that sailed the Great Lakes. On November 6, 1854, a violent gale drove the ship ashore at Gull Reef, off South Bay Point. This article explores the details surrounding the CAYUGA’s loss, recounting the events leading to the wreck, the rescue efforts, and the fate of the ship and its cargo.

The CAYUGA was a small brig, measuring 70 feet in length, 14 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth. Weighing approximately 60 tons, it was primarily used for carrying cargo. Originally built in 1841, the vessel was later rebuilt in Kenosha, Wisconsin, around 1846.

On November 6, 1854, the CAYUGA was bound for Oswego, New York, with a cargo of wheat when it encountered a severe gale on Lake Ontario. The relentless storm forced the vessel onto Gull Reef, off South Bay Point, leading to its wrecking. The ship’s captain remained aboard, eventually being rescued by the steamer PASSPORT, while the crew made it ashore in their boat.

Despite the challenging conditions, rescue efforts were made to save the crew members of the CAYUGA. The captain was rescued by the steamer PASSPORT, while the crew managed to reach safety in their boat. However, the ship itself was left stranded and damaged on the reef.

The aftermath of the wreck saw the CAYUGA being stripped of its valuable materials, and part of its cargo of wheat was salvaged by the prop COASTER out of Oswego. However, the vessel was ultimately declared a total loss.

The tragic fate of the schooner CAYUGA serves as a reminder of the perils faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s encounter with a fierce gale led to its destruction on Gull Reef. While the crew members were fortunate to be rescued, the CAYUGA and its valuable cargo of wheat were lost. The story of the CAYUGA stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the bravery of those involved in rescue operations during times of maritime disasters.