APPELONA – 1814

2 min read

In a dreadful shipwreck incident, the schooner APPELONA, under the command of Captain W. Merrill, met its unfortunate fate. Departing from Oswego on the evening of the 14th of the month, the vessel was partially loaded with pot-ashes, salt, and had around 16 tons of salt ballast on board. Its destination was Genesee, and at the time of the incident, the vessel was located about 18 to 20 miles southeast of the Oswego light and approximately 16 miles from land.

As the schooner lay to, with a close reef’d fore sail, a heavy squall began to rise from the west. In the midst of the squall, the vessel was suddenly struck by lightning. The powerful force of the lightning strike knocked down the master and the crew members who were on deck. The impact of the strike caused significant damage to the ship, shattering the tiller, rudder head, binnacle, windlass, bulkhead, and cabin stairs. Additionally, the lightning struck the pumps, potash and salt barrels, and exited through the larboard side, tearing off a plank about a foot below the waterline.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the crew immediately prepared the boat and five of them boarded it. Within just fifteen minutes of being struck by lightning, the schooner began to sink. The boat, already half-filled with water from the first wave that came, was at the mercy of the strong northwest wind and heavy waves. Despite the challenging conditions, they managed to navigate the boat, keeping it before the wind. Approximately an hour before daybreak, they reached the shore, landing about 13 miles below Oswego.

The master of the vessel, Captain W. Merrill, suffered significant injuries to his sight and hearing due to the lightning strike. However, it is reported that he was on the path to recovery. The schooner APPELONA,, carrying its cargo of salt and other goods, met its tragic end between Oswego and Genesee, approximately 16 miles offshore. The precise wreck location was identified in reports as lying in that vicinity.