Vessel Identification

• Vessel Name: COLONIAL

• Type: (Tugboat)

• Official Number: 222843

• Build Location: Alpena, Michigan

• Year Built: 1923

Specifications

• Dimensions:

• Length: 55 feet (16.8 meters)

• Beam (Breadth): 15 feet (4.6 meters)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 27 tons

• Net Tonnage: 18 tons

• Home Port: Port Huron, Michigan

• Owner: William J. Meagher

Service History

The COLONIAL served as a tow service vessel, assisting other ships and providing support in the Great Lakes region. Operating out of Port Huron, Michigan, this Tugboat was integral to regional maritime operations, particularly in towing and maneuvering larger vessels through challenging areas.

Incident and Loss

• Date of Incident: November 1, 1939

• Location: Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, Lake Huron

• Event: The Tugboat COLONIAL stranded in the Straits of Mackinac. Due to the severity of the stranding, the vessel eventually broke up and was deemed a Total Loss.

• Casualties: None; all three crew members on board at the time of the incident survived.

The stranding of the COLONIAL highlights the navigational hazards prevalent in the Great Lakes, especially within the often unpredictable Straits of Mackinac.

Documentation and Records

The loss of the COLONIAL was officially recorded as an American vessel loss and is documented in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States for 1941. This record provides a formal account of the incident and serves as part of the historical record for U.S. maritime incidents on the Great Lakes.

Historical Significance

The COLONIAL’s history offers insight into the operational challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels, particularly those serving as support and tow vessels. The stranding and subsequent loss of the Tug remind us of the dangers posed by the region’s waters, even for seasoned crews and smaller support vessels.