New Wreck Alert – Onondaga (1870–1907)

We’re thrilled to unveil the schooner-barge ONONDAGA, discovered off Stony Point by Capt. Tim Caza & Dennis Gerber using side-scan sonar and multibeam imaging. Built in 1870 and lost in a fierce November 1907 storm, this wooden freighter sank with 632 tons of coal aboard—her final run between Oswego and Montreal. The Onondaga was originally built as a three-masted wooden schooner in 1870 and was later converted into a schooner barge in 1883.

The Onondaga measures 137 feet in length and has an estimated beam of 26 feet. The wreck is oriented upright and is reported to be intact, although it has a blowout on the port side hull. The vessel was carrying approximately 632 tons of coal at the time of its sinking.

A well-preserved wreck upright on the bottom, she lies in deep water with her bow anchor still set—port side blown out from the sinking. A rare glimpse into 19th-century lake shipping and barge conversion practices.

The Onondaga left Oswego on November 5, 1907, during heavy seas. It sank off Stony Point due to foundering after a hull leak. Fortunately, there were no reported crew fatalities.

• Loss Date: November 5, 1907
• Cause of Loss: Foundering after hull leak
• Discovery Date: May 4, 2019 by Capt. Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber using side-scan and multibeam sonar.

The Onondaga is recognized for its significant archaeological value, and no salvage operations are permitted. It remains a site of interest for technical divers.

Dive conditions are challenging due to the depth, cold multi-thermocline water, limited natural light, and a high risk of silt-out in the lower holds. Access is only possible by boat in U.S. waters.

Divers interested in exploring the Onondaga should be aware of the technical requirements, including mixed gas and full decompression capability, due to the deep dive conditions.

Heison Chak, All About Scuba 1000 Islands, Scubapro, Daniel J. Gildea and Blue Foot Diving

Reproduced with permission from ShotLine Diving

Bob Sherwood Video