SAINT PETER

2 min read

Schooner
135.7 ft (41.4 m) Lengths
100ffw 30m Depths
Putneyville New York, Lake Ontario
N 43 18 43 W 77 7 52

The history of the schooner ST. PETER is a haunting tale of courage, tragedy, and mystery that unfolded on the turbulent waters of Lake Ontario. In this in-depth article, we will delve into the fateful journey of the ST. PETER, the harrowing storm that led to her demise, the heroic efforts of the crew, the heartbreaking loss of life, and the enduring mystery surrounding the shipwreck. Drawing from historical accounts, newspaper articles, and records, we will unravel the events that transpired on that ill-fated day in October 1898.

In 1873, the schooner ST. PETER was launched in Toledo, Ohio, under the watchful eye of shipbuilder David F. Edwards. This three-masted wooden schooner, measuring 135.7 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 12.1 feet in depth, was constructed for the purpose of carrying cargo, including coal and grain, between Great Lakes ports. Owned by Skidmore & Abair of Toledo, the ST. PETER embarked on countless journeys over the years, becoming a familiar sight on the expansive waters of Lake Ontario.

On that fateful day of October 27, 1898, the ST. PETER set sail from Oswego, New York, heavily laden with 607 short tons of chestnut coal. Her destination was Toledo, where she would deliver her precious cargo and conclude another successful voyage. However, fate had other plans for the schooner and her crew.

As the ship ventured farther into Lake Ontario, ominous signs of an impending storm began to emerge. Strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, started to buffet the vessel. The tranquil lake surface transformed into a maelstrom of towering waves, and the crew soon found themselves battling gale-force winds and freezing sleet.

The crew of the ST. PETER, including the ship’s master, Captain John Griffin, faced a relentless onslaught from the elements. For 12 long hours, they grappled with the ferocious storm, their ship tossed about like a helpless toy in the tempest. Towering waves, some reaching heights of 20 feet, crashed over the deck, drenching the crew in icy water. The relentless wind howled through the rigging, and the freezing sleet stung their faces.

Despite the overwhelming tragedy that had befallen them, there was a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The dedicated efforts of the local Lifesaving Service played a crucial role in rescuing Captain Griffin from the frigid waters. A boat from the Lifesaving Service, braving the treacherous conditions, managed to reach the vicinity of the sinking ship before it vanished beneath the waves. They were able to rescue Captain Griffin, who was found in an unconscious state, battered by the storm and the freezing water. Captain Griffin’s rescue marked a bittersweet moment in an otherwise heartrending tale. He had survived, but the loss of his wife and fellow crewmembers left an indelible scar on his soul. The storm had exacted a heavy toll, and the grief and trauma would stay with him for the rest of his life.

The tragic tale of the schooner ST. PETER serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, especially during the tumultuous storms that can descend upon these vast waters with little warning. It is a story of courage and sacrifice, of a crew’s desperate struggle against the overwhelming forces of nature.The enduring mystery of Mrs. Griffin’s disappearance adds an element of intrigue to the narrative, a puzzle that remains unsolved to this day. The ST. PETER and her crew may have been claimed by Lake Ontario’s depths, but their story lives on as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who brave the open waters in the pursuit of their livelihood.