Identification & Site Information

• Name: Titania
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 145074
• Type at Loss: Propeller, iron, excursion vessel
• Builder: D. Bell, Buffalo, NY
• Date Built: 1875
• Specifications: 98 feet (30 meters) long, 14 feet (4.3 meters) beam, 6 feet (1.8 meters) depth, 73 gross tons (66 metric tons), 47 net tons (43 metric tons)
• Date of Loss: August 11, 1908
• Place of Loss: Near Charlotte, NY (Rochester)
• Lake: Ontario
• Type of Loss: Collision
• Loss of Life: None of 26
• Carrying: None (passenger vessel)

Vessel Type & Description

The Titania was a propeller-driven excursion vessel, originally built as a yacht in 1875 by D. Bell in Buffalo, New York. It had been converted to an excursion vessel in 1877 by H. Jewett. With a length of 98 feet (30 meters), a beam of 14 feet (4.3 meters), and a depth of 6 feet (1.8 meters), the vessel was primarily used to carry passengers on excursion routes between Charlotte and Seabreeze, NY. The vessel’s Gross Tonnage was 73 tons (66 metric tons), and its Net Tonnage was 47 tons (43 metric tons).

Final Voyage & Loss

On August 11, 1908, the Titania was involved in a collision with the Canadian sidewheeler Kingston near Charlotte, NY, on the shore of Lake Ontario. According to the accounts, the Titania attempted to cut across the bow of the larger Kingston, which resulted in a collision that caused the smaller vessel to sink. The accident occurred near the harbour entrance, where the Titania went down after ramming the sidewheeler.

Despite the violent crash, none of the 26 passengers aboard the Titania were killed. The crew, including the captain, Patrick Thorpe, and several crew members, jumped to the Kingston as the collision occurred, leaving the passengers behind. Fortunately, the Lifesaving Service and local boats came to the rescue, saving the passengers, some of whom were picked up by the Kingston and others by nearby vessels.

The wrecked Titania was later raised from the water and towed into the Genesee River, where it was Abandoned in a swamp south of the harbour.

Final Dispositions

After the collision and subsequent sinking, the Hull of the Titania was raised and towed into the Genesee River. However, the ship was not repaired or reused and was Abandoned in a swampy area south of the harbour.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Harbour and channel area near Charlotte: Mariners should exercise extreme caution when navigating near Charlotte Harbour and its entrance, especially in conditions that may reduce Visibility or cause confusion with other vessels, as evidenced by the Titania’s collision with the Kingston.

Passenger Vessels: Collisions between excursion vessels and larger ships are a hazard, especially in confined or busy harbour areas.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Titania was an excursion vessel that met its end on August 11, 1908, when it collided with the larger Canadian sidewheeler Kingston in Lake Ontario, near Charlotte, NY. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the accident, though the ship sank after the collision. The crew Abandoned ship, but the passengers were rescued by nearby vessels, including the Kingston. The wreck was later raised and Abandoned in the Genesee River, marking the end of the Titania’s short-lived but notable history on the waters of Lake Ontario.

Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Excursion vessel shipwrecks, collision accidents, passenger vessel losses, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, maritime disasters

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario, Excursion vessels, 19th-century steamships, Great Lakes shipwrecks

Glossary Terms: Excursion vessel, Sidewheeler, Collision, Genesee River, Lifesaving Service