The schooner COMMERCE, built in 1816 by Throop & Cole in Pultneyville, New York, suffered a loss in Lake Ontario. The vessel had a capacity of 34 tons and was primarily engaged in transporting cargo.
On October 5, 1859, the COMMERCE encountered a storm while attempting to enter Oswego harbor in New York. In the midst of a northwest gale, the schooner lost its rudder, making it difficult to navigate and control the vessel. The captain of the ship attempted to maneuver using only its sails, but the efforts proved to be insufficient in the harsh weather conditions.
Despite attempts to call for assistance from tugs in the area, the stormy conditions prevented them from reaching the COMMERCE in time. As a result, the schooner was left to ride at anchor for three hours. Eventually, the anchor gave way, and the vessel was dragged ashore near “the Fort” in Oswego.
At the time of the incident, the COMMERCE was carrying a cargo of 74,000 board feet of lumber. Unfortunately, the vessel had no insurance coverage for its cargo. The owner of the schooner was Captain Ouderkirk, based in the Genesee River region.
Sources
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
- Great Lakes Ships Website
- Buffalo Daily Republic October 8, 1859
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
