CORA W. POST C83299

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #

3D Model by Matthew Charlesworth – Featured on 3DShipwrecks.org  #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The CORA W. POST was a small daggerboard schooner built in 1875 in Little Sodus, New York. This type of vessel was specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Great Lakes and connecting rivers, such as the St. Lawrence. The daggerboard, a retractable keel, allowed the schooner to sail in both deep and shallow waters efficiently, making it a versatile cargo carrier in the region.

HISTORY: #

The CORA W. POST was constructed in 1875 and measured 40 feet in length. Despite its modest size, the schooner played a vital role in regional commerce, transporting goods such as bricks along the St. Lawrence River. On the night of its tragic sinking, the CORA W. POST was carrying a cargo of 15,000 bricks.

The schooner set sail up the river under dark conditions, with no navigation lights illuminated—a factor that would lead to its demise. As the schooner made its way through the river, it was struck by the steamer PRINCESS LOUISE. The collision caused the CORA W. POST to rapidly take on water and sink. Fortunately, the crew managed to escape and board the steamer, but the schooner, along with its uninsured cargo, was lost, resulting in a financial loss of $3,000.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The CORA W. POST now rests at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, near Howe Island. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 feet, with a hole extending to 134 feet. This makes the site a challenging and intriguing dive for those exploring the river. The remains of the schooner are a testament to the perils of nighttime navigation in the 19th century, particularly for small, unlit vessels.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck, but the varying depth and the presence of a significant drop-off (from 30 feet to 134 feet) may pose challenges to divers. It is advisable to approach the site with caution, especially when swimming through the hole.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

The wreck of the CORA W. POST has likely been known to local divers and historians for some time, given its relatively shallow depth and accessible location. It remains a point of interest for those studying the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

The wreck is accessible to recreational divers, with the shallowest part lying at 30 feet. The dramatic drop-off to 134 feet makes the site suitable for more experienced divers, particularly those interested in exploring the deeper parts of the wreck and the surrounding underwater terrain. The condition of the wreck is consistent with a wooden vessel that has been submerged for over a century, with much of the structure likely to be deteriorated but still offering insight into 19th-century shipbuilding.

Photo Gallery 2024 Matthew Charlesworth #

Photo Mosaics from GLUE Survey 2005, Tom Rutledge Archives CC #

Following the incident, the PRINCESS LOUISE, which had chartered the CORA POST, faced legal action and was seized. The St. Lawrence River Steamboat Company, with which the steamer was affiliated, was held accountable for the value of the sunken vessel. Although owned by Captain Rathwell, the schooner had been under the charter of the steamboat company.

The collision between the PRINCESS LOUISE and the CORA POST took place near St. John’s Island, between Gananoque and Kingston. The schooner suffered significant damage, quickly filling with water and sinking. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew or the excursionists on board the steamer. Despite the absence of lights on the schooner at the time of the collision, no blame was attributed to the officers of the steamer.

Photos from GLUE 2005 Survey Tom Rutledge Archives CC #

According to the Herman Runge List, the CORA W. POST had an official U.S. number of 125393 and a gross tonnage of 13 tons. After being sold to Canada, it retained the same name but received an official Canada number of 83299. The date of this transaction is unknown

Video by Aerosnapper #

Goldeyes and Dolphins visit the Cora Post from Aerosnapper on Vimeo.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Offers historical records and context for vessels like the CORA W. POST that sailed the Great Lakes.
• Local Diving Clubs: May provide guided dives and additional information on the CORA W. POST wreck site.
• Historical Societies in Ontario and New York: These may have archival materials or further details on the schooner and its significance in regional commerce.
• GLUE Survey 2005 submitted to the Ontario Governement
• Personal notes of Tom Rutledge
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• ScubaNews Canada
• DiveBuddy.com
• 3DShipwrecks.org
•  

PHOTOS #

There may be photographs available from local divers who have explored the wreck. These images might be found in diving forums, historical archives, or local maritime museums.

CORA W. POST, daggerboard schooner, Howe Island wreck, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, 19th-century schooner, Great Lakes maritime history, shipwreck diving, PRINCESS LOUISE collision.