CORA W. POST C83299

Other Names

• C.W. POST U125393

Site Description #

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

The schooner CORA W. POST, with dimensions of 40 feet in length, 12.2 feet in width, and 4.7 feet in depth, had a gross tonnage of 13.12 GT and 10.4 NY. It was built in 1875 in Little Sodus, New York.

On a fateful night, the CORA POST was sailing up the river with a cargo of 15,000 bricks. Unfortunately, the vessel had no lights illuminated. In the darkness, the steamer PRINCESS LOUISE collided with the schooner, causing it to rapidly sink. The crew of the CORA POST managed to escape onto the steamer just in time. The schooner, along with its cargo, was uninsured, resulting in a loss of $3,000.

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.

Sources and other Links #

• GLUE Survey 2005 submitted to the Ontario Governement
• Personal notes of Tom Rutledge
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• ScubaNews Canada
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• DiveBuddy.com
• 3DShipwrecks.org