Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Pigeon
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Three miles south of Big Sandy Creek
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Pigeon was a wooden-hulled schooner designed for cargo transport on Lake Ontario, primarily used for moving agricultural products between regional ports.
Description
The Pigeon was intended to load apples at Nine Mile Point before heading to Chaumont. It departed from Oswego but was wrecked in a storm, resulting in the total loss of the vessel and its cargo, although the crew survived.
History
The Pigeon was part of a fleet of schooners that played a vital role in regional trade, transporting goods across Lake Ontario. Its loss during a storm in 1876 highlights the dangers faced by vessels in the area.
Significant Incidents
- Wrecked three miles south of Big Sandy Creek during a storm on March 14, 1876.
- Part of a series of maritime disasters at Port Ontario, where inadequate navigational aids contributed to the wrecks.
Final Disposition
The Pigeon was completely lost in the storm, with no recovery of the vessel or cargo. The incident underscored the need for improved navigational aids at Port Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Pigeon remains submerged in Lake Ontario, with accessibility dependent on local diving regulations. Divers are encouraged to document the site without disturbing the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”pigeon-pre-1876″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the Pigeon serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need for proper navigational aids to prevent future tragedies on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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