Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Wreck at Stoney Creek, NY
- Type: Wooden-hulled, single hull (presumed) / small coastal or inland craft
- Year Built: Estimated late 19th to early 20th century
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown (field measurements needed)
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Shoreline of Stoney Creek, NY, partly submerged along bank
- Coordinates: To be determined by GPS survey
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled, single hull (presumed) / small coastal or inland craft.
Description
The wreck remains include exposed ribs (frames), a keelson (or remnants thereof), and sections of deck planking. The structural elements are partially eroded, and exposure may fluctuate with water level, wave action, and sediment dynamics. The presence of ribs and keelson suggests a framed wooden vessel rather than a flat-bottom barge; the deck planking implies it had an upper deck or at least covered hull structure. The construction appears consistent with small to medium-sized craft (e.g. schooner, workboat, or local ferry) rather than large commercial steamer.
History
No known archival reference currently ties to this wreck. Local historical societies, old harbor charts, insurance records, or newspapers might mention lost or abandoned craft along Stoney Creek. It is possible that this was a smaller working vessel (tug, scow, fishing boat, ferry) operating in inland or near-shore waters, which would make it less likely to be recorded in large ship registries.
The final voyage circumstances are unknown. Given its proximity to shore, it might have grounded during a storm, been intentionally beached and abandoned, or suffered structural failure. Over decades, exposure to water, wood decay, and shifting sediments would degrade the remains to what is seen today.
Significant Incidents
- No known archival statements yet located for this wreck.
Final Disposition
The cause of loss is uncertain. The wreck is in partial survival — structural remains (ribs, keelson, planking) remain, though degraded. It is neither fully upright nor intact. The upper structures (superstructure, rigging, cabin areas) have likely been lost to decay or removal. The wreck is essentially in “collapsed ruin” condition.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Discovered (or re-noted) by Daniel Gildea & Carl Furillo while fishing for salmon on 11 Oct 2025. Coordinates or survey logs are not yet documented publicly.
No official notices to mariners (NOTMAR) or navigation warnings appear in current databases. Because the wreck lies close to shore, it likely does not pose a major hazard to navigation in open waters. Local shore-users (small craft, swimmers) should be cautioned of submerged timbers and uneven bottom.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”stoney-creek-wreck” title=”References & Links”]
Access to the wreck is possible via shore or small boat, with expected low to moderate visibility and shallow water conditions. Further research and documentation are recommended to better understand the wreck’s history and condition.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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