On November 11, 1852, the “Oneida” left Cleveland, heading to Buffalo with barrels of flour. The ship was lost with all hands in an extremely destructive storm.
The vessel “Keystone State” had passed the “Oneida” on or after November 12th, keel up. From the painting on it, the captain of the “Keystone State” took it to be the “Oneida”. The beach 9 miles above Dunkirk was strewn with the upper light work of the “Oneida” and cargo. A small boat was also found with books and papers from the “Oneida”. A piece of the forward bulkwark was found with a portion of her name on.
The “Oneida” belonged to O.A. Knight of Cleveland and was insured for $10,000.00. Samuel Hulgate was its captain.
Shipreck Condition Now:
The visibility on the shipwreck is usually good, ranging from 30 – 60 feet. The temperature on the bottom is typically 42 degrees F.
Most of the deck structure is missing, but the shipwreck is intact.
The hogging arches are upright, and the boilers and engine are fully exposed.
This steamer has one giant propeller.
The bow anchors are visible, with one hanging precariously from the bow stem.