The St. Peter’s Final Voyage
In October of 1898, a tragic event unfolded on Lake Ontario. The St. Peter, a lake schooner loaded with coal, embarked from Oswego, New York, aiming to reach the Welland Canal. However, nature had different plans. The ship was struck by a fierce storm with 70 mph winds, throwing the crew and ship into a desperate battle for survival.
Captain John Griffin, his wife, and two crew members fought the relentless storm for twelve long hours. High waves and gale-force winds made it impossible to navigate the ship safely. Tragically, Captain Griffin’s wife and the rest of the crew perished in the freezing sleet and 20-foot waves. Captain Griffin was the sole survivor, rescued by the local Lifesaving Service. This event remains a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by those who ventured onto Lake Ontario.
The Sinking of the St. Peter
The St. Peter was a wooden-hulled, three-masted schooner built in Toledo, Ohio, in 1873. Measuring 136 feet long and 26 feet wide, this vessel was a critical part of Great Lakes shipping, transporting coal and other bulk goods. On October 27, 1898, the storm overtook the ship five miles northwest of Sodus, New York. With the ship overwhelmed by the elements, the St. Peter sank, taking the lives of eight people, including Captain Griffin’s wife and crew.
Survival Against the Odds
Despite the overwhelming odds, Captain Griffin was rescued by the brave efforts of the Lifesaving Service. A boat from Sodus Point reached within a mile of the St. Peter before she disappeared beneath the waves. Sadly, they were only able to save the Captain.
The St. Peter’s Legacy
The wreckage of the St. Peter was discovered in 1971, lying upright in 117 feet of water. While much of her remains were recovered and are now displayed at the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society, the ship’s story lives on in more than just artifacts. The wreck of the St. Peter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving her memory for future generations.
For those interested in maritime history, the St. Peter is a poignant symbol of both the perilous life of sailors and the significance of lake shipping in the late 19th century.
Exploring the Wreck Today
Today, the wreck of the St. Peter rests intact beneath Lake Ontario’s waters. Her once majestic three masts, now submerged, still evoke the grandeur of a bygone era of Great Lakes shipping. Divers frequently visit the wreck, exploring the 136-foot schooner, which remains in remarkably good condition considering her age and the ferocity of the storm that claimed her.
If you’re a history or adventure enthusiast, a visit to the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society will provide a fascinating glimpse into the story of the St. Peter. The museum displays several recovered artifacts from the wreck, offering a tangible connection to this haunting chapter of maritime history.
Commemorating the St. Peter
An interpretive panel stands in Pultneyville, New York, just north of Lake Road in B. Foreman Park. Visitors can find this marker near the parking lot, where it tells the tale of the St. Peter’s ill-fated voyage. It’s a somber, yet captivating story, reminding us of the bravery of sailors and the unpredictability of nature.
For anyone with a love of history, particularly maritime adventures, the story of the St. Peter and her crew is both a cautionary tale and an invitation to explore the past. Through the displays and the wreck itself, the legacy of this lost schooner endures.
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