Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Utica
- Type: Wooden steamboat (tug & excursion)
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Sacket’s Harbor, NY
- Dimensions: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage: 59 t.
- Location: Near Port Ontario, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Mr. Snow and associates
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Utica was a wooden steamboat designed for both tug and excursion purposes, reflecting the versatile nature of mid-19th century vessels.
Description
The Utica was a small wooden steamboat of 59 tons, built at Sacket’s Harbor in 1849. Designed for versatility, she was employed both as a tugboat to aid shipping on the Genesee River and as a pleasure excursion vessel for Lake Ontario. Her size and dual-use role reflected the economic adaptability demanded of steamboat owners in the mid-19th century.
History
The vessel was acquired by Mr. Snow and associates, who outfitted her to perform both commercial towing and leisure cruises. This dual role was characteristic of regional steamers of the era, maximizing returns on investment through multiple revenue streams.
On her final voyage, the Utica departed Sacket’s Harbor bound for the mouth of the Genesee River. Caught in a storm, she sought refuge at Oswego but continued on at night. Mistaking the Port Ontario Light for the Oswego Light, her captain miscalculated the vessel’s position and ran her ashore near Port Ontario, approximately 20 miles east of her intended destination. The grounding left her high on the shoreline, nearly out of the water.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded due to navigational error, mistaking Port Ontario Light for Oswego Light.
Final Disposition
Although salvage was attempted, including plans to remove machinery and lighten the hull, the Utica was too badly damaged to refloat. She was abandoned where she grounded and declared a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not rediscovered; likely destroyed by surf and decay. The vessel is grounded and destroyed in situ, with no current accessibility for diving.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The Utica serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century navigators and the importance of accurate navigation in maritime operations.
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.
Lead Image
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The Utica was a small wooden steamboat of 59 tons, built at Sacket’s Harbor in 1849. Designed for versatility, she was employed both as a tugboat to aid shipping on the Genesee River and as a pleasure excursion vessel for Lake Ontario. Her size and dual-use role reflected the economic adaptability demanded of steamboat owners in the mid-19th century.History
The vessel was acquired by Mr. Snow and associates, who outfitted her to perform both commercial towing and leisure cruises. This dual role was characteristic of regional steamers of the era, maximizing returns on investment through multiple revenue streams. On her final voyage, the Utica departed Sacket’s Harbor bound for the mouth of the Genesee River. Caught in a storm, she sought refuge at Oswego but continued on at night. Mistaking the Port Ontario Light for the Oswego Light, her captain miscalculated the vessel’s position and ran her ashore near Port Ontario, approximately 20 miles east of her intended destination. The grounding left her high on the shoreline, nearly out of the water.Final Dispositions
Although salvage was attempted, including plans to remove machinery and lighten the hull, the Utica was too badly damaged to refloat. She was abandoned where she grounded and declared a total loss.Located By & Date Found
Not rediscovered; likely destroyed by surf and decay.Notmars & Advisories
None noted; vessel lost ashore, not a hazard to navigation.Dive Information
Access: Not applicable (vessel grounded and destroyed) Entry Point: Not applicable Conditions: Not applicable Depth Range: Not applicable Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Buffalo Permits: Not applicable Dive Support: Not applicableCrew & Casualty Memorials
No casualties reported. Crew and passenger list not identified.Documented Statements & Extracts
“Believing the Port Ontario Light to be the Oswego Light, the captain misjudged the vessel’s position … the Utica grounded so severely she was nearly out of the water.” — Adapted from David Swayze, Great Lakes Shipwreck File
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Registered at Sacket’s Harbor, NY (1849). No enrollment number or insurance details located.Site Documentation & Imaging
None extant; vessel grounded and destroyed in situ.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
References
- David Swayze, Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes archives