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Black Duck

A view of Black Duck’s stern from the starboard side. The scow’s box-like construction is apparent. The rudder and tiller are visible at left as well as the raised cabin at the stern.
Black Duck’s stern and cabin from the starboard quarter. The scow’s box-like construction is apparent. The rudder and tiller are visible at left as well as the raised cabin at the stern. Photo: NOAA/OECI

Ship stats

Depth: To be announced

Coordinates: To be announced

Vessel Type: Scow sloop

Length: 51 feet

Breadth: 13.5 feet

Gross Tonnage: 21

Cargo: 30 tons of coal

Built: 1859, Wellesley Island, New York

Port of Registry at Loss: Sackets Harbor, New York

Owner at Loss: Everleigh and Everliegh of Sackets Harbor and Dexter, New York

Date Lost: August 3, 1872

Cause of Loss: Foundered in storm

Loss of Life: 0 of 4

Historical Background

A view of the bow of Black Duck taken from over the deck and beside the mainmast, looking forward.
Black Duck’s mainmast and bow looking forward. Photo: NOAA/OECI

The small scow sloop Black Duck was built at Wellsesley Island, New York in 1859. The scow was 51 feet long, 13.5 feet in breadth and 4.3 foot depth of hold, measuring 21.65 gross tons. Black Duck was assigned U.S. Official Number 2115 and was initially registered at Sackets Harbor, New York.

On August 3, 1872, Black Duck cleared from Oswego, bound for Dexter, New York at the mouth of the Black River. The small scow was heavily laden with 30 tons of coal consigned to M.E. Casler of Dexter. As Black Duck was crossing northern Mexico Bay, it was struck by a crossing sea, swamping the holds and causing the sloop to founder. Black Duck’s captain, the captain’s wife and crew narrowly escaped in the ship’s life boat as the scow foundered.

The wreck of Black Duck was discovered by Mr. Daniel Scoville and Mr. Chris Koberstein in July 2013. The site was independently relocated by Mr. Tim Caza and Mr. Dennis Gerber in 2022, who reported the site to NOAA. The site was documented by NOAA and its partners at the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute during a May 2025 expedition using a remotely-operated vehicle.

Wreck Site

The standing mainmast and topmast.
Black Duck’s mainmast and topmast remain standing. Photo: NOAA/OECI

The wreck of Black Duck lies in northern Mexico Bay, at depths near the upper limits of technical diving (330 feet/100 meters). The small scow remains upright and intact with its bowsprit, mainmast and main topmast still standing. The scow’s centerboard case is exposed within the open hold. At the stern the cabin remains intact.