IRON KING Later CANOBIE C133826

4 min read

Vessel Names:

Original: Iron King
Later Name: Canobie

Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
Dimensions:

Length: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
Beam: 38 feet (11.6 meters)
Depth: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
Tonnage:
Gross: 1,703 tons
Engine Specifications:
Type: For-and-aft compound engine with two cylinders
Horsepower: 800
Boilers: Two 105-pound steam firebox boilers
Construction: Built in 1887 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, Detroit, Michigan
Material: Wooden
Final Resting Place: Sank in Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie after severe storm damage in 1921
Condition: Deemed a constructive total loss and later burned
Accessibility: The remnants were stripped of usable items before being burned; the exact location of the wreck is no longer of significance as the vessel was destroyed.

Construction and Early Service

The vessel originally named Iron King was a wooden propeller bulk freighter built in 1887 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in Detroit, Michigan. With impressive dimensions of 252 feet in length, 38 feet in width, and 20 feet in depth, the Iron King was a significant player in the Great Lakes maritime trade. It was powered by a robust 800-horsepower for-and-aft compound engine, which drove a single propeller, and it was equipped with two steam firebox boilers.

The Iron King was primarily involved in the iron ore and coal trade, traversing the vast waters of the Great Lakes to transport these essential commodities. Throughout its early years, the vessel faced various challenges, including grounding incidents and fires, but it continued to serve as a reliable bulk freighter.

Incidents and Challenges

One of the most notable early incidents in the Iron King’s history occurred in 1889 when the vessel, along with its consort, the Iron Queen, ran aground near Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron. The grounding could have ended in disaster, but with the assistance of tugboats, the Iron King was successfully freed and returned to service.

Tragedy struck in Ashland, Wisconsin, when a fire broke out at the Coal Dock, resulting in the deaths of three firemen. The Iron King sustained considerable damage, but after repairs in Detroit, the ship continued its operations, highlighting the vessel’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Transformation to Canobie

In 1913, the Iron King underwent a significant transformation. The ship was sold and renamed Canobie under the ownership of the Lehigh Coal Company, based in Montreal, Quebec. Despite the change in name and ownership, the Canobie continued its role as a bulk freighter, transporting various cargoes across the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage and Sinking

The Canobie’s service came to a tragic end on November 1, 1921. The vessel encountered a fierce storm approximately 30 miles west-southwest of Port Colborne, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The storm inflicted severe damage on the Canobie, yet the vessel managed to reach Erie, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the damage was too extensive, and the Canobie ultimately sank in Erie.

After an inspection, it was determined that the Canobie was a constructive total loss. The vessel was stripped of its usable items, and what remained was burned, marking the end of the ship’s storied career.

Legacy and Remembrance

The journey of the Canobie, from its origins as the Iron King to its final demise, is emblematic of the perils faced by ships and their crews on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s history of overcoming multiple challenges, including groundings, fires, and collisions, speaks to the determination and resilience of those who operated these essential freight carriers.

The Canobie’s final fate, sealed by the unpredictable and often unforgiving weather of the Great Lakes, serves as a reminder of the dangers that have claimed many vessels in the region’s maritime history. The legacy of the Canobie, much like that of many other ships lost to the Great Lakes, is etched into the history of the region, contributing to the narrative of bravery, loss, and the relentless pursuit of trade and exploration on these vast inland seas.

Resources & Links

Keywords

Canobie, Iron King, bulk freighter, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Detroit Dry Dock Company, Erie Pennsylvania, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, shipwreck remembrance.

Ongoing Research & Monitoring

Further research into the Canobie may uncover additional details about its construction, service history, and the specific circumstances of its final voyage. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the Canobie is integrated into its historical narrative.