Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: York Packet
• Type: Wooden schooner
• Builder: Unknown
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Location: Near Presqu’ile, Ontario
• Official Number: None (British registry)
• Original Owners: S. Heron and A. Miles of York (now Toronto, Ontario)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The York Packet was a British-owned wooden schooner.

Description

The York Packet was primarily used for passenger and cargo transport between settlements along Lake Ontario in the late 18th century. During this period, maritime trade was still developing in Upper Canada, and vessels like the York Packet played a vital role in connecting outposts such as Genesee River (now Rochester, NY) and York (Toronto, ON).

History

Owned by S. Heron and A. Miles, the York Packet transported settlers, mail, and goods, often facing the unpredictable weather of Lake Ontario.

Significant Incidents

• On April 7, 1798, the York Packet was en route from Genesee River to York when caught in a storm near Presqu’ile, Ontario.
• Sworn statements suggest the captain and mate deliberately ran the vessel ashore instead of attempting to save it.
• After beaching the ship, they allowed it to be wrecked in the storm and allegedly stole valuable cargo before disappearing.

Final Disposition

No known discovery of the wreck has been documented, and it is likely that no remains of the vessel exist today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No known modern navigational hazards related to this vessel are documented.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The York Packet is one of the earliest recorded shipwrecks on Lake Ontario and may represent the first known case of deliberate shipwreck for theft on the Great Lakes. The mystery surrounding her fate continues to intrigue maritime historians.