BENICIA BOY U2575

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The BENICIA BOY was a small but sturdy sloop, measuring 52 feet in length, designed by Barney Eveleigh. Sloops like the BENICIA BOY were favored for their agility and ability to navigate the shallow waters of rivers, bays, and harbors. These vessels were essential for transporting cargo in areas with limited depth and were often employed in local maritime trade along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

HISTORY #

The BENICIA BOY was built in Sackets Harbor by Barney Eveleigh, a well-known designer and builder of small vessels. Designed specifically to navigate the shallow waters of the Great Lakes region, the BENICIA BOY was used to transport valuable cargoes, such as cedar wood, across the local trade networks. With a gross tonnage of 21, the sloop played an important role in the regional economy, supporting trade and commerce in and around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

On a stormy day in May 1883, while returning to Cape Vincent, the BENICIA BOY encountered severe weather. The vessel lost its anchors and was driven into the dock by the violent storm. The impact shattered the sloop, destroying it completely. Fortunately, the crew managed to escape by jumping onto the dock just before the vessel was destroyed.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The BENICIA BOY was destroyed during a storm in 1883 while attempting to dock at Cape Vincent. The vessel collided with the dock, and the force of the impact broke it into pieces. The remains of the BENICIA BOY were later discovered by divers Raymond I. “Skip” Couch and Dennis R. McCarthy, who initially referred to it as the “Box Stove Wreck” due to the presence of a cast-iron stove found within the wreck. Subsequent research confirmed the wreck as the BENICIA BOY.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the BENICIA BOY was discovered by divers Raymond I. “Skip” Couch and Dennis R. McCarthy. The exact date of the discovery is not specified, but their identification of the wreck was a significant contribution to the maritime history of the region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the BENICIA BOY lies upright on a muddy bottom, with the keel section buried in the mud. The rudder is lying flat on the bottom near the stern, and parts of the port side are scattered around the site. A cast-iron box stove is located near the starboard side inside the wreck. The wreck is reasonably well-preserved, with much of the structure visible and accessible to divers. Although the exact depth of the site is not specified, it is likely shallow and suitable for recreational diving.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck.