Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Henri Rooney (Henry Rooney)
- Type: Brigantine
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Garden Island, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 295 GRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Approximately 3 miles east of Charlotte, New York, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Bow: 43° 15′ 46.8″N, 77° 33′ 26.0″W; Stern: 43° 15′ 45.7″N, 77° 33′ 25.2″W
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Henri Rooney was a two-masted wooden brigantine built in 1868 at Garden Island, Ontario, for use in the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade. She regularly hauled materials such as limestone and lath vital to industrial expansion. At 136 ft in length and 295 GRT, she was typical of mid-sized merchant sail vessels of her day. Known for her speed and maneuverability, the Rooney once completed a record passage through the Welland Canal in just 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Description
The Henri Rooney was a two-masted wooden brigantine built in 1868 at Garden Island, Ontario, for use in the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade. She regularly hauled materials such as limestone and lath vital to industrial expansion. At 136 ft in length and 295 GRT, she was typical of mid-sized merchant sail vessels of her day. Known for her speed and maneuverability, the Rooney once completed a record passage through the Welland Canal in just 12 hours and 20 minutes.
History
Throughout her career, the Rooney experienced multiple minor incidents, including groundings. Despite this, she was regarded as a fast and dependable brigantine. On October 24, 1879, while carrying a heavy load of limestone and lath, she encountered a fierce gale off Charlotte, NY. Taking on water rapidly, the crew abandoned ship. While 10 survived, the ship’s cook, Charlotte Fisk of Buffalo, perished—her absence not discovered until it was too late. Accusations of abandonment circulated in the press, but Capt. J.H. Radford later testified that efforts were made to save both ship and crew.
Significant Incidents
- October 24, 1879: The Henri Rooney sank during a storm, leading to the loss of the ship’s cook, Charlotte Fisk.
Final Disposition
The Rooney sank and was deemed a total loss. No cargo or structural salvage was recorded. The wreck lies in approximately 40 ft (12 m) of water. Her bow and stern are visible above the lakebed, while her midsection remains buried in silt.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Located in the 2000s by regional divers including Dan Scoville. Documented via recreational and historical dive footage. Visibility is low to moderate depending on temperature and season (1–4 m typical). Hazards include mud burial of midsection, unstable deck structure, and debris entanglement risks.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”henri-rooney-henry-rooney” title=”References & Links”]
Access to the wreck is by boat only, with the closest launch being the Charlotte Boat Ramp. Conditions can include moderate surge and current exposure, with minimal infrastructure support. Emergency contacts include USCG Buffalo Sector and Monroe County Water Rescue. No permits are required for diving.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Official Number: Unknown
Registry: Canada
Vessel Type: Brigantine
Builder: Garden Island, Ontario
Year Built: 1868
Dimensions: Length: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth: 11 ft (3.35 m)
Tonnage: 295 GRT
Cargo on Final Voyage: Limestone and lath
Date of Loss: October 24, 1879
Location: Approximately 3 miles east of Charlotte, New York, Lake Ontario
Coordinates: Bow: 43° 15′ 46.8″N, 77° 33′ 26.0″W; Stern: 43° 15′ 45.7″N, 77° 33′ 25.2″W
Depth: ~40 ft (12 m)
Home Port: Unknown
Owners: Unknown
Crew: 11
Casualties: 1 (Charlotte Fisk, cook)
Description
The Henri Rooney was a two-masted wooden brigantine built in 1868 at Garden Island, Ontario, for use in the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade. She regularly hauled materials such as limestone and lath vital to industrial expansion. At 136 ft in length and 295 GRT, she was typical of mid-sized merchant sail vessels of her day. Known for her speed and maneuverability, the Rooney once completed a record passage through the Welland Canal in just 12 hours and 20 minutes.
History
Throughout her career, the Rooney experienced multiple minor incidents, including groundings. Despite this, she was regarded as a fast and dependable brigantine. On October 24, 1879, while carrying a heavy load of limestone and lath, she encountered a fierce gale off Charlotte, NY. Taking on water rapidly, the crew abandoned ship. While 10 survived, the ship’s cook, Charlotte Fisk of Buffalo, perished—her absence not discovered until it was too late. Accusations of abandonment circulated in the press, but Capt. J.H. Radford later testified that efforts were made to save both ship and crew.
Final Disposition
The Rooney sank and was deemed a total loss. No cargo or structural salvage was recorded. The wreck lies in approximately 40 ft (12 m) of water. Her bow and stern are visible above the lakebed, while her midsection remains buried in silt.
Located By & Date Found
Located in the 2000s by regional divers including Dan Scoville. Documented via recreational and historical dive footage.
Notmars & Advisories
- Visibility: Low to moderate depending on temperature and season (1–4 m typical)
- Hazards: Mud burial of midsection, unstable deck structure, debris entanglement risks
Dive Information
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Closest launch is Charlotte Boat Ramp
Conditions: Moderate surge and current exposure; minimal infrastructure support
Depth Range: 40 ft (12 m)
Emergency Contacts: USCG Buffalo Sector; Monroe County Water Rescue
Permits: Not required
Dive Support: None on site; coordinate through Rochester dive community
Crew & Casualty Memorials
Charlotte Fisk, cook, age unknown, of Buffalo, NY — sole fatality.
No grave marker located.
Find A Grave search for Charlotte Fisk
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Although ten of the crew were rescued, the ship’s cook, Miss Charlotte Fisk of Buffalo, was lost. Her absence was not discovered until too late to save her.”
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
No official Canadian registry or enrollment documentation located to date. Insurance status is unknown.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Video documentation by Aaron Newman.
Footage playlist: Henry Rooney Shipwreck
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
References
- Eyewitness and captain statements via local newspaper archives (unverified digital access)
- Shotline Diving Wreck Directory: Henri Rooney Entry
- YouTube Visuals: Aaron Newman Channel
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: Henry Rooney
Official Number: Unknown
Coordinates: Bow: 43°15′46.8″N, 77°33′26.0″W; Stern: 43°15′45.7″N, 77°33′25.2″W
Depth: 12 m (40 ft)
Location Description: 3 miles east of Charlotte, NY
Vessel Type: Brigantine
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 136 ft × 25 ft × 11 ft; 295 GRT
Condition: Partial remains — bow and stern visible; midsection buried
Cause of Loss: Foundered in storm
Discovery Date: 2000s
Discovered By: Dan Scoville and associates
Method: Scuba diving
Legal Notes: Not listed as protected heritage
Hazards: Burial, entanglement
Permits Required: None at this time