Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Saint Peter
- Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: David F. Edwards
- Dimensions: 135.7 ft (41.4 m) × 26 ft (7.92 m) × 12.1 ft (3.69 m) depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 607 short tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: Offshore of Pultneyville, Wayne County, New York
- Coordinates: 43°18'43" N, 77°07'52" W
- Original Owners: Skidmore & Abair, Toledo
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Three-masted wooden schooner, typical of late-19th-century bulk carriers, constructed with a timber hull and iron/steel fastenings.
Description
The Saint Peter is a wooden construction, sail-powered vessel that currently rests upright on the lakebed with collapsed rigging and open holds. Its hull form is well-preserved due to the cold freshwater of Lake Ontario.
History
- Operational Profile: The Saint Peter served as a bulk cargo carrier in the Lake Ontario coal and grain trade.
- Final Voyage: On 27 October 1898, the vessel departed Oswego, NY, bound for Toledo, OH, but encountered a severe autumn storm.
- Rescues: The U.S. Life-Saving Service successfully recovered Captain John Griffin, who was found unconscious.
- Casualties: The storm resulted in multiple fatalities, including Mrs. Griffin, whose body was never recovered.
Significant Incidents
- Cause of Loss: The Saint Peter foundered during a storm characterized by 70 mph winds and 20 ft seas.
- Condition: The wreck is upright at approximately 30 m depth and is well-preserved for its age.
Final Disposition
- Discovery: The wreck was located by sport divers, although the exact date of discovery is undocumented.
- Method: The wreck was identified using recreational sonar followed by diver verification.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible via boat dive, located offshore from Pultneyville. Conditions can vary with open-lake exposure, thermocline, and visibility ranging from 3 to 15 meters. Surface chop may occur, and emergency contacts include USCG Sector Buffalo and local dive shops.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”saint-peter-1873″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Divers are reminded to respect the site and adhere to legal regulations, including the prohibition of artifact removal under New York law. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories while exploring this historic wreck.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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