IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Nellie P. Downey was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1873. Schooners like the Nellie P. Downey were common in the 19th century, designed for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and other goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel was noted for its sturdy construction, made from the best white oak timber, and was well-regarded for its capacity and design.
HISTORY #
The Nellie P. Downey was launched on August 5, 1873, from the shipyard of Wm. Ross in Napanee, Ontario. The vessel quickly became known for its reliability and craftsmanship. Owned by Downey & Allen of Kingston, the schooner had a capacity of about 8,000 bushels and was actively engaged in transporting goods across Lake Ontario.
On June 12, 1884, the Nellie P. Downey embarked on what would be its final voyage. During this journey, the schooner encountered heavy fog conditions approximately 8 miles off Oswego, New York. The fog severely limited visibility, leading to a series of unfortunate events.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
In the dense fog, Captain Robert Bartley, master of the Nellie P. Downey, mistook the lights of the tug Glide—which was towing two barges—for a harbor tug coming to tow them into Oswego Harbor. Acting on this assumption, the Nellie P. Downey maneuvered behind the Glide to pick up what they believed was the tow cable. However, as the schooner cut behind the tug, it was struck amidships by the leading barge, the Oswego.
The collision caused the Nellie P. Downey to rapidly take on water. Within four to five minutes, the schooner had sunk, leaving only a few moments for the crew and two women aboard to escape. Fortunately, all five individuals managed to clamber aboard the barge Oswego before the schooner went under. However, they lost all their personal belongings in the incident, and the only item recovered from the vessel was the foghorn held by Captain Bartley.
The schooner was valued at $6,000 and had an A 2 rating, indicating it was a well-regarded vessel. Although there was mention in a newspaper that the schooner might have been recovered, it does not appear in later records, suggesting it was lost permanently.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
There is no specific modern record of the wreck’s discovery or identification, so no individuals or dates are associated with locating the remains of the Nellie P. Downey.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Nellie P. Downey.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
