The oil screw tug COLONIAL, also known by its official number 222843, was built in 1923 in Alpena, Michigan. It had dimensions of 55 feet in length, 15 feet in breadth, and 6 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 27 and a net tonnage of 18. This vessel served as a tow service and was owned by William J. Meagher, with its home port being Port Huron, Michigan.
Tragically, on November 1, 1939, the COLONIAL met with a loss when it stranded in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, on Lake Huron. The vessel ultimately broke up due to the stranding. At the time of the incident, there were three persons on board, fortunately, no lives were lost.
This unfortunate event was reported as a loss of an American vessel and is documented in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States for the year 1941. The COLONIAL’s service history and details serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the waters of the Great Lakes.
