IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Other Names: The Craig Wreck Possible Identities: PHEOBE, W.Y. EMERY Location: Being Confirmed Final Fate: Unknown (wreck site under investigation) |
SITE DESCRIPTION #
The Craig Wreck is an enigmatic shipwreck site currently under investigation by maritime historians and archaeologists. This wreck, though still unidentified, has captured the interest of researchers due to its potential links to two storied vessels: the PHEOBE schooner and the W.Y. EMERY.
The wreck’s remains suggest it could be an old wooden schooner, with some structural features pointing towards the mid-19th century. The site has yielded fragments of timber, metal fastenings, and other maritime artifacts, but definitive identification remains challenging. The wreck’s condition indicates it has been submerged for many decades, likely a century or more.
THE STORY SO FAR… #
The PHEOBE schooner was a vessel of legend, known for its daring voyages and the adventurous spirit of its crew. The ship sailed the Great Lakes, leaving behind tales of bold expeditions and near-miraculous survivals. Despite its storied past, the PHEOBE disappeared without a trace, becoming one of the many mysteries of the lakes. Maritime historians have long sought to uncover its final resting place, and the Craig Wreck has recently emerged as a potential candidate. However, no conclusive evidence has yet tied the wreck to this storied vessel.
Alternatively, speculation has arisen that the Craig Wreck might be connected to the W.Y. EMERY, a vessel known for its service in maritime trade routes. The W.Y. EMERY was no stranger to peril, having survived encounters with pirates, weathered severe storms, and completed numerous successful voyages. Yet, its ultimate fate remains a topic of debate. Could the remnants of the Craig Wreck be pieces of the W.Y. EMERY, lost long ago to the unforgiving waves of Lake Ontario? This remains an open question that only detailed study can answer.
INVESTIGATION & RESEARCH #
To unravel the mystery of the Craig Wreck, a comprehensive research effort is underway. Maritime archaeologists are meticulously documenting the site, preserving every artifact that can provide insight into the wreck’s identity. The structure, materials, and design of the wreckage are being carefully analyzed to draw comparisons with historical records.
Historians are diving deep into archives, searching for logs, journals, and other documents that could offer clues about the wreck’s origins. These records, when pieced together with physical evidence from the site, may eventually reveal whether the wreck is indeed the PHEOBE, the W.Y. EMERY, or another vessel entirely.
The local community and maritime enthusiasts are also playing a vital role in this investigation. Oral histories passed down through generations might hold the key to unlocking this mystery. Engaging the public and experts alike, this collaborative effort aims to bring clarity to the wreck’s identity.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Maritime History of the Great Lakes
YouTube Video – W.Y. Emery shipwreck — Heritage Square Museum, Ontario NY