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.
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.
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Identification – St. Peter
| Name | St. Peter |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Three-masted wooden schooner |
| Builder | David F. Edwards |
| Construction Location | Toledo, Ohio, USA |
| Year Built | 1873 |
| Dimensions | 41.4 m (135.7 ft) × 7.92 m (26 ft) × 3.69 m (12.1 ft) depth of hold |
| Cargo on Final Voyage | 607 short tons of chestnut coal |
| Date of Loss | 27 October 1898 |
| Location | Offshore of Pultneyville, Wayne County, New York, Lake Ontario |
| Coordinates | 43°18′43″ N, 77°07′52″ W |
| Depth to Seafloor | ~30 m / ~100 ft |
| Owners (Historic) | Skidmore & Abair, Toledo |
| Home Port | Toledo, Ohio |
Description
Wooden construction (timber hull with iron/steel fastenings), sail-powered, three masts; typical late-19th-century bulk carrier design. Currently rests upright with collapsed rigging, open holds, and intact hull form preserved by Lake Ontario’s cold freshwater.History
- Operational Profile: Bulk cargo carrier serving Lake Ontario coal and grain trade.
- Final Voyage: Departed Oswego, NY for Toledo, OH on 27 Oct 1898; encountered severe autumn storm.
- Rescues: U.S. Life-Saving Service recovered Capt. John Griffin unconscious.
- Casualties: Multiple fatalities including Mrs. Griffin (unrecovered).
Final Dispositions
- Cause of Loss: Foundered in storm with 70 mph winds and 20 ft seas.
- Condition: Upright at ~30 m, well-preserved for age.
Located By & Date Found
- Discovery: Sport divers (date undocumented).
- Method: Recreational sonar & diver verification.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted.Dive Information
- Access Type: Boat dive
- Entry Location: Offshore Pultneyville; coordinates from licensed charters.
- Conditions: Open-lake exposure; thermocline; 3–15 m visibility; surface chop possible.
- Depth Range: Bottom ~30 m (100 ft).
- Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Buffalo +1-716-843-9320; Wayne County 911; Rochester General hyperbaric facility.
- Permits & Rules: Artifact removal prohibited under NY law.
- Support Services: Rochester/Oswego area charters and dive shops.
Crew & Casualty Memorials
- Capt. John Griffin — Find A Grave (survivor)
- Mrs. Griffin — No burial record; body unrecovered
- Other crew — names unknown; further archival search needed in HCGL casualty lists
Resources & Links
- NOAA Virtual Dive — St. Peter
- Wikimedia Commons — Historic Image
- Wikipedia — St. Peter (shipwreck)
- Sketchfab 3D Model — Thunder Bay NMS
- James Donahue — St. Peter
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record – St. Peter
| Wreck Name | St. Peter |
|---|---|
| Other Names | None recorded |
| Coordinates | 43°18′43″ N, 77°07′52″ W |
| Depth | ~30 m / ~100 ft |
| Location Description | Offshore of Pultneyville, Wayne County, New York, Lake Ontario |
| Vessel Type | Three-masted wooden schooner |
| Material | Wood |
| Dimensions | 41.4 m × 7.92 m × 3.69 m |
| Condition | Upright, intact hull, collapsed rigging |
| Cause of Loss | Storm, 27 Oct 1898 |
| Discovery Date | Unknown |
| Discovered By | Sport divers (unconfirmed) |
| Method of Location | Sonar & diver verification |
| Legal/Environmental Notes | Protected under NY State submerged cultural resource law |
| Hazards | Current, visibility, entanglement hazards |
| Permits Required | None for diving; artifact removal prohibited |