Henri Rooney (Henry Rooney)

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

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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.