W.Y. EMERY C71280

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: Emery, W.Y.
Type: Schooner
Official Number: 71280
Home Port: Port Burwell, Ontario
Year Built: 1867
Builder: George Dakin, Port Burwell, Ontario
Dimensions: 102 feet length x 22.9 feet beam x 10.2 feet depth
Gross Tonnage: 211 tons
Net Tonnage: 154.04 tons
Final Fate: Foundered
Date of Wreck: September 20, 1899
Location: Approximately 1 1/2 miles off Bear Creek, Lake Ontario
Cargo: Coal

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Emery, W.Y. was a two-masted wooden schooner with a single deck, typical of vessels constructed in the mid-19th century for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. The vessel was primarily used for hauling bulk goods like coal, an essential commodity during that era. Built in Port Burwell, Ontario, the schooner served for over three decades, navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The Emery, W.Y. was launched in 1867 and initially owned by John Griffen and Sidney McDermand of Port Burwell. Throughout its operational life, the schooner changed ownership several times, with notable incidents marking its history. The vessel experienced groundings, collisions, and other challenges that necessitated repairs and continued its service on the lakes.

Significant incidents include going ashore east of Toronto in 1877, a collision in Leamington, Ontario, in 1880, and various groundings and repairs over the years. Despite these challenges, the Emery, W.Y. continued to operate until its final voyage in 1899.

On September 20, 1899, while en route from Charlotte, New York, to Kingston, Ontario, the schooner encountered a severe gale on Lake Ontario. The vessel sprung a leak and foundered approximately 1 1/2 miles off Bear Creek. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the tug PROCTOR, but the Emery, W.Y. was lost to the lake.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Emery, W.Y. foundered during a gale on September 20, 1899, and sank off Bear Creek in Lake Ontario. The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time, and its loss marked the end of a long and eventful service history. The schooner’s remains likely lie scattered on the lakebed, a testament to the many perils faced by vessels on the Great Lakes.