Other Names #
- IRON KING
Canobie: From Iron King to a Storm’s Wrath #
The history of the Great Lakes is intertwined with the stories of numerous vessels, each with its own tale to tell. One such vessel is the Canobie, previously known as the Iron King. Built in 1887 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in Detroit, Michigan, this wooden propeller bulk freighter experienced a tragic fate in the stormy waters of Lake Erie.
Originally measuring 252 feet in length, 38 feet in width, and 20 feet in depth, the Iron King had a gross tonnage of 1703 tons. It was powered by a for-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders, driving a single propeller. The ship’s propulsion came from an 800-horsepower engine manufactured by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, along with two 105-pound steam firebox boilers.
Throughout its history, the Iron King went through various ownership changes and incidents. It began its career in the iron ore and coal trade, sailing the Great Lakes. In 1889, it ran aground with its consort, the Iron Queen, near Bois Blank Island in Lake Huron but was successfully freed with the assistance of tugboats. The vessel also experienced a devastating fire at the Coal Dock in Ashland, Wisconsin, resulting in the loss of three firemen’s lives. Despite these challenges, the Iron King persevered and underwent repairs in Detroit.
In 1913, the ship underwent a significant change when it was sold and registered under the new name Canobie. With new ownership under the Lehigh Coal Company, based in Montreal, Quebec, the Canobie continued its operations as a bulk freighter, transporting various cargoes across the Great Lakes.
However, tragedy struck on November 1, 1921, when the Canobie encountered a fierce storm approximately 30 miles west-southwest of Port Colborne, Ontario. The vessel suffered severe damage during the tempest but managed to limp into Erie, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, its fate was sealed when it sank in Erie. After inspection, the Canobie was deemed a constructive total loss.
The remnants of the Canobie were eventually stripped of usable items, and the vessel was burned. The storm had taken its toll, leaving behind only memories of the ship’s once proud and industrious career.
The Canobie’s journey from the Iron King to its tragic demise is a testament to the risks faced by mariners navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. These stories serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who braved the elements to transport goods and people across these vast inland seas. The Canobie’s legacy joins the long list of maritime tragedies that have shaped the history of the Great Lakes and the brave individuals who traversed its waters.
