C.D. No. 2: Remembering the Unfortunate Fate of a Derrick Scow
In the annals of maritime history, there are countless tales of ships lost at sea, their stories forever etched into the depths. Among them is the ill-fated C.D. No. 2, an unrigged derrick scow that met its tragic end in the waters of Lake Erie. Built in 1906 by R. Weddell in Trenton, Ontario, this wooden vessel would eventually succumb to the perils of the lake, forever resting beneath its surface.
Though the C.D. No. 2 never acquired any alternate names during its existence, it bore the official registration number C156942, signifying its place within the maritime records. Measuring 70 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and with a depth of 5 feet, it had a carrying capacity of 94 gross tons.
The date of the C.D. No. 2’s tragic loss was August 30, 1940. Positioned approximately 3.5 miles west of Erieau, Ontario, and 12 miles from the harbor, fate dealt a cruel hand to this unassuming vessel. It foundered in the depths of Lake Erie, sinking into eight fathoms of water, never to resurface again.
The exact details surrounding the loss of the C.D. No. 2 remain shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, historical records do not reveal the number of lives lost during the sinking or the specific cargo it carried on that fateful day. What is known is that the vessel hailed from Chatham, Ontario, and its tragic fate serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers that lie beneath the serene surface of the lake.
Today, the story of the C.D. No. 2 serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the maritime world. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who take to the waters and the inherent risks they face. The vessel’s final resting place in the depths of Lake Erie serves as a silent memorial, forever honoring its place in maritime history.
As we remember the C.D. No. 2, let it serve as a poignant reminder of the countless vessels and lives that have been lost to the unforgiving waters. Their stories, though often forgotten, echo through time, reminding us of the power and beauty, as well as the inherent dangers, of the world’s lakes and oceans.
