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.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The W.Y. Emery is a two-masted wooden schooner typical of late-19th-century Great Lakes coal carriers. 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 Emery, W.Y. 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.
Final Voyage
On 20 September 1899, while en route from Charlotte NY to Kingston ON with a cargo of coal, the W.Y. Emery encountered a violent gale on Lake Ontario. She sprang a leak and foundered approximately 1.5 miles off Bear Creek. All crew were rescued by the tug Proctor, but the vessel was lost with her cargo.Final Dispositions
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.Located By & Date Found
Originally known locally as the “Craig Wreck.” Identification as the W.Y. Emery was confirmed through registry correlation and wreck measurements in 2025 by Shotline Diving and maritime researchers.Notmars & Advisories
No current Notices to Mariners apply. Due to extreme shallowness, the site is visible from shore and drone and poses no navigation hazard.Dive Information
Access: Shoreline / kayak entry near Bear Creek NY Conditions: Very shallow, sandy bottom, occasional wave surge Depth Range: 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) Visibility: Good in calm conditions Permits: Not required for non-intrusive observation Dive Support: Shore / small craftDocumented Statements & Extracts
“On September 20, 1899, the schooner W.Y. Emery foundered in a severe gale while carrying coal to Kingston. Her crew were rescued by the tug Proctor, but the vessel was lost.” — Maritime History of the Great Lakes Archives
Site Documentation & Imaging
Drone and shoreline photography confirm visible keel and timbers in clear conditions. A 3D model of the wreck site is available below.3D Model
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Heritage Square Museum – W.Y. Emery Exhibit
- Finger Lakes Times Archive
- Shotline Diving Documentation
References
- Canadian Registry of Shipping, Official No. 71280 – Emery, W.Y., Port Burwell, 1867.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Archives – Loss Reports 1899.
- Shotline Diving Survey & Identification Report, 2025.