COLONIAL U126012

Site Description

The “COLONIAL” was a steam propeller freighter that met its end due to a storm in Lake Erie. Here are the details of the vessel’s history and its loss:

Specifications:

• Official Number: 126012
• Type: Propeller, wood, bulk freighter
• Builder: G. Presley, Cleveland
• Build Year: 1882
• Dimensions: 244 x 36 x 19 feet
• Gross Tonnage: 1502 tons
• Net Tonnage: 1189 tons

History:

• Built in 1882 as a package freighter by G. Presley in Cleveland.
• Owned by Republic Iron Company, Marquette, Michigan.
• Converted from a package freighter to a bulk freighter before 1893.
• Heavily damaged in a stranding incident on Lake Ontario in 1893.
• Underwent a rebuild in 1896, installing a new engine and boiler.

Loss:
On November 13, 1914, the “COLONIAL” was on a voyage from Oswego to Milwaukee, carrying a load of coal. While in Lake Erie, the vessel encountered a gale and began to leak. The crew attempted to save the ship by running it aground near Rondeau Point, close to Pardoville, Ontario, Canada. The decision to beach the ship was made to save the crew’s lives.

However, the ship’s fate took a tragic turn. On November 18, 1914, another storm hit the area, and the “COLONIAL” ultimately broke apart due to the force of the storm. Despite the crew’s efforts to beach the ship and prevent loss of life, the vessel succumbed to the elements and became a total loss.

Additional Information:

• The “COLONIAL” had a history of towing operations and was involved in towing various vessels.
• The ship’s ownership changed over the years, with different companies and individuals owning it.
• The wreck of the “COLONIAL” was later located in 1991, near Erieau, Ontario.

In summary, the “COLONIAL” was a propeller freighter with a history of various ownerships, rebuilds, and incidents. Its final demise occurred when it encountered a storm in Lake Erie, causing it to spring a leak and eventually break apart after being beached to save the crew’s lives.