City of York was a 1,167 GRT iron ship which sank after hitting a reef off Rottnest Island in the last few kilometres of its voyage from San Francisco to Fremantle, Western Australia in 1899.

The vessel departed San Francisco on 13 April 1899 under Captain Phillip Jones with a cargo of 1,754.33 cubic metres (61,953.7 cu ft) of Oregon timber and 3,638 doors.

[2] After making a record passage to Western Australia, she approached Rottnest from the north on the afternoon of 12 July 1899 in stormy weather including blinding rain and heavy seas.

The captain gave immediate orders to turn the ship but was unsuccessful and she struck remaining high on the reef 200 metres (660 ft) offshore from what is today the City of York bay, midway along the north side of the island.

Six men including First Mate William Pape managed to get in the first lifeboat before its holding rope broke and it drifted free from the stricken vessel.

[3] An inquiry was held a week later which found that the wreck was caused by the "gross carelessness and want of judgement shown by the master"; that is, Captain Jones.

Concern about the signalling procedures grew and a Joint Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament was established to investigate the harbour and pilot services of the colony.

The wreck is located on the northern side of Rottnest Island, lying in 7 metres (23 ft) of water on a reef bottom with the bow facing to shore.

A pilot sent out from Fremantle ascertained the fate of Carlisle Castle at about the same time as City of York was first sighted, however delays in communications and the severe weather added to the confusing situation.

A short time after the storm, the government recognised the need for additional lighthouses to assist with navigation in the waters around the island and the approaches to Fremantle.