Shipwreck Report: Steamer COLONIAL

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: COLONIAL

• Official Number: 126012

• Type: Propeller, wood, bulk freighter

• Builder: G. Presley, Cleveland, Ohio

• Year Built: 1882

• Dimensions:

• Length: 244 feet (74.4 meters)

• Beam (Width): 36 feet (11 meters)

• Depth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 1,502 tons

• Net: 1,189 tons

• Wreck Location: Near Erieau, Lake Erie

• Coordinates: N 42° 15’ 3.8988”, W 82° 4’ 17.5188”

• Depth: 22 feet (4 meters)

• Current Condition: Wreck remains scattered and partially buried near the wreck site.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The COLONIAL was originally built as a package freighter, designed to transport goods efficiently on the Great Lakes. Over time, it was converted into a bulk freighter, specializing in carrying cargo such as coal and iron ore. Wooden-hulled propeller-driven freighters like the COLONIAL were the backbone of the Great Lakes shipping industry in the late 19th century, providing vital links between industrial centers.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

• Built in 1882 by G. Presley in Cleveland, Ohio, the COLONIAL served as a package freighter for the Republic Iron Company of Marquette, Michigan.

• Converted to a bulk freighter before 1893 to meet the growing demand for transporting large quantities of raw materials.

Rebuild and Modifications

• After a significant stranding incident on Lake Ontario in 1893, the COLONIAL underwent extensive repairs.

• Rebuilt in 1896, the vessel received a new engine and boiler, enhancing its capabilities and extending its operational life.

Operational Highlights

• The COLONIAL frequently participated in towing operations, assisting other vessels on the Great Lakes.

• Its ownership changed multiple times over its service life, reflecting the vessel’s adaptability and utility in a variety of roles.

FINAL VOYAGE & LOSS

Incident Summary

• Date: November 13, 1914

• Route: Oswego, New York, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Cargo: Coal

• The COLONIAL encountered a severe gale while crossing Lake Erie. The vessel began to leak, endangering the crew and the ship.

Beach Attempt

• In an effort to save lives, the crew made the decision to beach the vessel near Rondeau Point, close to Pardoville, Ontario.

Destruction

• Despite the successful beaching, another storm struck the area on November 18, 1914, tearing the ship apart. The wreckage was scattered by the waves, resulting in the Total Loss of the vessel.

Casualties

• The crew survived the initial storm and grounding, avoiding loss of life.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• The COLONIAL was reduced to wreckage and declared a Total Loss following the second storm.

• The wreck was discovered in 1991 near Erieau, Ontario. Portions of the ship are partially buried and scattered across the lakebed.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the COLONIAL wreck site.

• Mariners should exercise caution near Erieau due to submerged hazards in the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Explore detailed records of the COLONIAL and other vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive archive of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Insights into wreck discovery and exploration efforts.

CONCLUSION

The story of the Steamer COLONIAL exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes vessels and crews. Despite extensive repairs and decades of service, the COLONIAL ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature, underscoring the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes. The ship’s discovery in 1991 serves as a testament to its historical significance and a reminder of the enduring legacy of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

#COLONIALShipwreck #LakeErie #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #RondeauPoint #BulkFreighter #WoodenFreighter

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