Construction and Specifications

• Name: Ashtabula
• Type: Car Ferry (Rail Ferry)
• Built: May 12, 1906
• Builder: Great Lakes Engineering Works, St. Clair, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 338 feet (103 meters) Beam: 56 feet (17 meters) Depth: 21.5 feet (6.6 meters)
• Tonnage: Gross: 2,670 tons Net: 1,525 tons
• Material: Steel-hulled

The Ashtabula was specifically designed to transport railroad cars across Lake Erie, a critical function in the early 20th century. Operated by the Pennsylvania-Ontario Transportation Co., the vessel was one of the era’s vital links in facilitating efficient transport of goods, reflecting the industrial boom along the Great Lakes.

Operational History

The Ashtabula served the Great Lakes region for over fifty years, playing a pivotal role in connecting rail systems separated by Lake Erie. It operated primarily out of Ashtabula, Ohio, which served as both its namesake and home port. As a car Ferry, the vessel was crucial for transferring cargo-laden railcars across the lake, bypassing the time and expense of rerouting around its shores.

The vessel’s design incorporated a robust steel Hull and advanced propulsion systems for its time, ensuring reliable service even in harsh Great Lakes conditions. The Ashtabula became an integral part of the region’s economic infrastructure, contributing to the rapid transport of coal, grain, and other commodities.

The Collision and Loss

• Date: September 18, 1958
• Location: Near the harbour entrance, Ashtabula, Ohio (Lake Erie)
• Cause: Collision with the steel Steamer Ben Moreell

On its ill-fated voyage, the Ashtabula was approaching the harbour entrance when it collided with the Ben Moreell. The impact caused catastrophic structural damage, leading the Ashtabula to take on water rapidly. Despite the proximity to shore and rescue efforts, the vessel sank approximately 350 feet from the harbor entrance. The ship’s upperworks remained visible above the waterline, marking its final position.

Final Disposition

Following the collision, the Ashtabula was partially refloated and moved to the train Ferry slip at Ashtabula Harbour. However, upon inspection, the damage was deemed irreparable. In 1959, the vessel was scrapped, ending its long service career. The incident highlighted the risks of navigating busy harbor approaches and the consequences of collisions in these constrained waterways.

The loss of the Ashtabula underscores the importance of car ferries in shaping early 20th-century transportation networks. Although ultimately scrapped, its story remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie. The vessel’s decades of service symbolize the ingenuity and determination that drove the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Great Lakes Engineering Works Shipbuilding List

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