Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.Y. Emery
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: George Dakin, Port Burwell ON
- Dimensions: Length 102 ft (31 m); Beam 22.9 ft (7 m); Depth 10.2 ft (3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 211 gross / 154 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 1.5 m / 5 ft
- Location: Approx. 1.5 mi off Bear Creek, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: 43° 15.9817′ N, 77° 26.1128′ W
- Official Number: 71280
- Original Owners: John Griffen & Sidney McDermand
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The W.Y. Emery is a two-masted wooden schooner typical of late-19th-century Great Lakes coal carriers.
Description
The wreck lies in very shallow water near Bear Creek, with the keel, ribs, and portions of the lower hull visible. Drone and snorkel observations reveal scattered coal on the lakebed. The hull structure matches measurements recorded in the vessel’s 1867 registry, confirming the identification of the site previously known locally as the “Craig Wreck.”
History
Launched in 1867 by George Dakin at Port Burwell, Ontario, the W.Y. Emery served over three decades as a bulk cargo schooner on the Great Lakes. Owned by John Griffen and Sidney McDermand, she transported coal and general freight between Ontario and U.S. ports. Incidents in her career include:
- 1877 – Went ashore east of Toronto and was repaired.
- 1880 – Collision near Leamington, Ontario.
- Subsequent groundings and refits kept her in service into the 1890s.
Her longevity illustrates the durability of Canadian-built schooners in coal and aggregate trade prior to steam dominance.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents during the service of the W.Y. Emery include:
- 1877: Went ashore east of Toronto and was repaired.
- 1880: Collision near Leamington, Ontario.
Final Disposition
The wreck rests in 3–5 ft of water on a sandy bottom with coal scattered around the keel. It remains one of the few identifiable coal schooner losses in shallow southern Lake Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access to the site is available via shoreline or kayak entry near Bear Creek, NY. The conditions are very shallow with a sandy bottom and occasional wave surge. Visibility is good in calm conditions. No permits are required for non-intrusive observation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-y-emery-c-71280″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As a diver, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. The W.Y. Emery offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes, and divers are encouraged to document the site responsibly.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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