Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: York
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1792
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 80 GT
- Location: Devil’s Nose, near Pultneyville, New York, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: British registry
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
The York was a small British schooner.
Description
Description
The York was built in 1792 in Toronto (then called York, Upper Canada). As an 80-ton wooden schooner, she was likely involved in early trade and transport between British settlements in Upper Canada and the United States along Lake Ontario.
The late 18th century was a period of growth and expansion in the region, with British authorities encouraging commerce and shipbuilding to solidify control over the Great Lakes. The York was part of this early wave of maritime activity, helping to establish supply lines for settlers and military outposts.
History
History
The York was among the earliest recorded commercial sailing vessels on the Great Lakes, contributing to the development of trade in the region.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Stranded during a storm in December 1799.
- Reportedly sighted stranded on the rocks with no hope of refloating.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
In December 1799, the York encountered a storm on Lake Ontario and was driven onto a rock near Devil’s Nose, a treacherous point on the New York shoreline near Pultneyville. Other vessels reportedly sighted her stranded on the rocks, with no hope of refloating her. Given the harsh winter conditions of Lake Ontario, it is likely that she was broken apart by ice and waves soon after.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
There is no known discovery of the wreck, and given the era, her remains are likely long destroyed or buried under sediment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”york-1799″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The York was one of the earliest schooners built in Toronto, playing a role in the development of trade on Lake Ontario in the late 18th century. Her stranding at Devil’s Nose in 1799 is a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by the first generation of Great Lakes mariners. With no loss of life but no hope of recovery, she became one of the earliest shipwrecks recorded on Lake Ontario.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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