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.

Maritime Disasters at Port Ontario: The Storm of 1876
Schooner Sodus

• Name: Sodus
• Type: Schooner
• Construction: Wooden-hulled, typical for Lake Ontario schooners
• Purpose: Primarily used for transporting timber, bark, wood, and other cargo along the Great Lakes
• Cargo on Final Voyage: Bark and wood
• Route: Departed Port Ontario, bound for Genesee
• Final Disposition: Wrecked approximately three miles north of Big Sandy Creek during a severe storm; the vessel and cargo were total losses. The crew survived the ordeal.

The Wrecks of Schooners Sodus and Pigeon

The Sodus represents a class of working schooners that played a critical role in the trade and transport network along Lake Ontario, supporting industries such as lumber and agriculture. Typical schooners of this type ranged in length from 60 to 100 feet, with a shallow draft to navigate nearshore and harbor areas.

Port Ontario, a critical harbor on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario, recently became the site of several maritime incidents that highlighted the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes without proper safety measures. In a powerful storm, two schooners were wrecked, and a steamer narrowly avoided disaster—all of which could have been mitigated with better navigational aids.

During this intense storm, the schooners Sodus and Pigeon both met with catastrophic fates near Port Ontario. These vessels were essential to the region’s trade and transportation, but the storm proved too fierce for them to withstand.

Schooner Sodus: The Sodus was en route from Port Ontario to Genesee, carrying a valuable cargo of bark and wood. However, the vessel went ashore approximately three miles north of Big Sandy Creek, where it was completely wrecked. The powerful storm and treacherous nearshore conditions led to the total loss of both the vessel and its cargo. Fortunately, the crew managed to survive, avoiding what could have been a fatal disaster.

Schooner Pigeon: The Pigeon had set out from Oswego, intending to load apples at Nine Mile Point before heading to Chaumont. However, it too fell victim to the storm, going aground about three miles south of Big Sandy Creek. Like the Sodus, the Pigeon and its cargo were completely lost, though all crew members were saved.

These twin disasters underscore the severe risks posed by Lake Ontario storms, especially when vessels lack adequate navigational guidance.

Criticism of Navigational Aids at Port Ontario

In the wake of these incidents, the captains and crews of the Sodus and Pigeon directed sharp criticism toward the lack of a proper harbour light at Port Ontario. They argued that the absence of this essential navigational aid directly contributed to the wrecks, as it left them without crucial guidance during the storm.

Their criticism centered on the actions of Mr. Cobb, who was blamed for the absence of a functional light. The cost of maintaining such a light—estimated at around $800 per year—was relatively low compared to the significant losses from these shipwrecks. Additionally, the expenditure of about $300 per month on a revenue cutter was seen as inefficient when a simple and necessary light could have prevented the accidents.

These incidents underscored the importance of proper lighting and navigational aids to ensure the safety of vessels and crews. The discussion highlighted a broader issue of resource allocation, with calls for reevaluation of priorities to better protect maritime operations in the region.

The Importance of Proper Navigational Aids

The storm and subsequent wrecks at Port Ontario serve as a stark reminder of the critical role navigational aids play in maritime safety. Harbour lights, buoys, and other markers are not just conveniences; they are essential tools that help mariners safely navigate treacherous waters, particularly during storms and other adverse conditions.

The recent events at Port Ontario have prompted renewed calls for the installation and maintenance of these aids, ensuring that future vessels are not left vulnerable to similar dangers. The tragedies of the Sodus and Pigeon, along with the near-miss of the Express, make it clear that these investments are not only necessary but urgent.

References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers historical context and records related to shipwrecks and incidents on Lake Ontario. Available at: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Historical Newspapers: Contemporary reports on maritime incidents in the region, providing detailed accounts of the storm’s impact on Port Ontario. Access via services like Newspapers.com.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Provides information on shipwrecks and maritime safety initiatives on the Great Lakes.
• Local Historical Societies: Archives and resources from regional historical societies offer additional insights into the incidents at Port Ontario.

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