Other Names
- DARIUS COLE
- HURON
The “COLONIAL” was a steel passenger vessel that caught fire and sank in Lake Erie. Here are the details of the vessel’s history and its loss:
Specifications:
- Official Number: 127089
- Type: Excursion Vessel
- Builder: Built in Waterloo or Baldwinsville, NY
- Build Year: 1895
- Dimensions: 91.2 x 17.4 x 5.7 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 110 tons
- Net Tonnage: 80 tons
History:
- Built as a sidewheeler named “DARIUS COLE” in 1885 by Globe Shipbuilding in Cleveland.
- Renamed “HURON” in 1906.
- Renamed “COLONIAL” in 1921.
- Converted to a propeller vessel after 1910.
- Used for passenger and auto carrier purposes.
Loss:
On September 2, 1925, the “COLONIAL” was headed for its home port of Dunkirk, NY, to take on an excursion party to Crystal Beach. Unfortunately, the vessel caught fire off Barcelona, NY, in Lake Erie. The fire gutted the ship, and it subsequently sank in shallow water. Tragically, four lives were lost in the incident.
Additional Information:
- The vessel had undergone various name changes and conversions during its history.
- Photos of the “COLONIAL” showed it as a propeller vessel with a walking-beam engine, possibly a unique conversion of this type.
- After sinking, the ship was later recovered for scrap and dismantled at Dunkirk, NY.
In summary, the “COLONIAL” was a passenger vessel with a history of different names and conversions. It met its tragic end when it caught fire and sank in Lake Erie while on its way to embark on an excursion to Crystal Beach. The fire resulted in the loss of four lives and the eventual sinking of the ship.
