Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Columbus

• Year of Build: 1905

• Builder: J. Pouliot, Sandusky, Ohio

• Vessel Type: Gas Screw passenger boat (originally a Steamer)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)

• Beam (Width): 14 feet (4.3 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 29 tons

• Net Tonnage: 21 tons

• Primary Waters: Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The Columbus began its service as a small Steamer designed to carry passengers on Lake Erie. Measuring 60 feet in length, this vessel was relatively compact but well-suited for passenger transportation within the lake’s busy waterway network. In 1912, reflecting the technological shift of the time, the Columbus was converted from steam power to a gasoline-powered engine. This change, which marked its transition to a “Gas Screw” vessel, improved its operational efficiency and represented a significant modernization that extended its service life.

History

The Columbus was constructed in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1905, launching into service as a Steamer on Lake Erie. It provided transportation and connectivity across the lake, supporting the movement of passengers in an era when waterborne travel was crucial for many communities. In 1912, the vessel underwent a key transformation, shifting from steam to gasoline propulsion. This Conversion not only reflected advancements in marine technology but also allowed the Columbus to remain relevant as gasoline engines became favored for their improved fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

Tragedy struck the Columbus on June 24, 1924, when a powerful tornado hit Sandusky, Ohio. The tornado inflicted severe damage upon the vessel, causing it to sink while docked. Given the extent of the destruction, the Columbus was deemed a Total Loss and was subsequently Abandoned, ending nearly two decades of service on Lake Erie.

Final Disposition

The Columbus met its end on June 24, 1924, when it was sunk by a tornado in Sandusky, Ohio. The vessel suffered irreparable damage and was Abandoned at its dock, left as a casualty of the natural disaster. No efforts for salvage or repair were undertaken, leaving the Columbus as a reminder of the sudden and uncontrollable forces of nature that occasionally affected Great Lakes shipping.

Located By & Date

There is no recorded discovery or documentation of the wreck site for the Columbus following its sinking. It was likely left to settle at or near its dock in Sandusky, where the tornado struck.

Notmar & Advisories

Since the vessel was Abandoned after sinking in 1924, there are no active Notices to Mariners or navigational advisories concerning the Columbus wreck.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Though the Columbus was modest in size, it served as an example of early 20th-century advancements in maritime propulsion. Its Conversion from steam to gasoline in 1912 marks it as part of the transition toward more efficient marine engines, a shift that would define Great Lakes vessels in the decades to follow. The vessel’s untimely end during a natural disaster also highlights the unpredictable challenges faced by ships on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

For further information on early 20th-century Great Lakes Passenger Vessels and maritime history:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

• National Weather Service Historical Weather Events: Tornado archives and historical records on significant storms impacting Lake Erie