Northern Lights (1899)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Leaving Phelps Shipyards — The NORTHERN LIGHTS Departing the Phelps Shipyards – Robert Brennan Collection from Sackett’s Harbor
Used with Permission

Name: Northern Lights
Type: Two-Masted Scow Schooner
Year Built: 1899
Builder: Frank Phelps’ Shipyard, Chaumont, New York
Location: Galloo Island, Lake Ontario, New York
Coordinates: N43° 54′ 53.99″, W76° 22′ 53.69″
Depth: Approximately 3 meters (10 feet)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Northern Lights was a large scow schooner, a flat-bottomed vessel with a squared bow, primarily used for transporting bulk cargo in the shallow waters of the Great Lakes. Known for their practicality and sturdy construction, scow schooners like the Northern Lights were essential for moving goods such as baled hay, peas, and beans across the region. This vessel featured a unique design with a bow deck extending to the mast, wide running boards along both sides, and a stern deck where the helmsman operated the vessel with a sweeping helm.

HISTORY #

The Northern Lights was constructed in 1899 at Frank Phelps’ Shipyard in Chaumont, New York. Under the command of Captain William Shelley Sr. of Cape Vincent, the schooner played an integral role in the regional economy, transporting agricultural products to seed houses in Chaumont and other destinations across the Great Lakes.

In a turn of events, the vessel was later sold to Dexter Dibble of Sackets Harbor, whose sons, Spencer and Sam, took over its operations. In November 1916, while loading gravel at Calf Island, the Northern Lights broke free from her moorings and became stranded on a stone bar near Galloo Island’s east side, known as Gill Harbor. For a year, the schooner remained stranded until a storm dislodged her, leading to her eventual sinking in the shallow waters of the harbor.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Northern Lights was stranded on a stone bar at Galloo Island’s east side for a year before a storm freed the vessel, causing it to drift into the harbor where it ultimately sank. The wreck, resting at a depth of 10 feet, was discovered in June 2022 by US Coast Guard captain Tim Caza and diver Dennis Gerber, who identified it as a double-masted scow schooner.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Northern Lights. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when approaching shallow waters and historical wrecks near Galloo Island.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was located in June 2022 at coordinates N43° 54′ 53.99″, W76° 22′ 53.69″ the Owner of Gallon Island and verified by US Coast Guard Captain Tim Caza and his diving partner Dennis Gerber.

Photos and Collections #

Daniel Gildea Photo Collection: Image by Daniel Gildea, edited by Tom Rutledge.
Robert Brennan Collection: Historical images used with permission from the Sackett’s Harbor archives.