Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Colonial
- Type: Excursion Vessel
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: Globe Shipbuilding
- Dimensions: Length: 91.2 ft (27.8 m); Beam: 17.4 ft (5.3 m); Depth of hold: 5.7 ft (1.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 110 tons
- Location: Off the coast of Barcelona, NY
- Official Number: 127089
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Identification
- Original Names:
- DARIUS COLE (1885 – 1906)
- HURON (1906 – 1921)
- COLONIAL (1921 – 1925)
- Official Number: 127089
- Type: Excursion Vessel
- Location of Build: Waterloo or Baldwinsville, NY
- Year Built: 1895
- Specifications:
- Dimensions:
- Length: 91.2 feet (27.8 meters)
- Beam: 17.4 feet (5.3 meters)
- Depth: 5.7 feet (1.7 meters)
- Dimensions:
- Gross Tonnage: 110 tons
- Net Tonnage: 80 tons
Description
The COLONIAL was originally built as a sidewheeler named DARIUS COLE in 1885 by Globe Shipbuilding in Cleveland. It was later converted from a sidewheeler to a propeller vessel after 1910, incorporating a walking-beam engine, which was a unique propulsion system for a vessel of its type. Throughout its service, the vessel was utilized for both passenger transport and as an auto carrier, showcasing its versatility for excursions and local transport.
History
The COLONIAL underwent several name changes during its service life. It was renamed HURON in 1906 and then COLONIAL in 1921. The vessel’s construction and modifications reflect the maritime adaptations of the time, allowing it to serve various roles over the decades.
Significant Incidents
Loss of the COLONIAL: On September 2, 1925, the COLONIAL embarked on a journey to its home port in Dunkirk, NY, where it was scheduled to take on an excursion party destined for Crystal Beach. Tragically, while off the coast of Barcelona, NY, in Lake Erie, a fire broke out onboard, quickly engulfing the vessel. The blaze gutted the ship, causing it to sink in shallow water. Sadly, four lives were lost in the incident.
Final Disposition
After the fire and sinking, the remains of the COLONIAL were later recovered for scrap and dismantled at Dunkirk, NY.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the COLONIAL is confirmed to have sunk in Lake Erie, and its remains were dismantled post-recovery. The site may be of interest to divers, but specific conditions and accessibility details are not provided.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”colonial-darius-cole-huron-us-127089″ title=”References & Links”]
The COLONIAL, originally named DARIUS COLE and later HURON, had a storied history marked by its multiple name changes and modifications. Despite its adaptations, the vessel ultimately met a tragic fate when it caught fire and sank in Lake Erie while en route to an excursion destination. The loss not only claimed four lives but also ended the vessel’s decades-long service.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Vessel Identification
- Original Names:
- DARIUS COLE (1885 – 1906)
- HURON (1906 – 1921)
- COLONIAL (1921 – 1925)
- Official Number: 127089
- Type: Excursion Vessel
- Location of Build: Waterloo or Baldwinsville, NY
- Year Built: 1895
- Specifications
- Dimensions:
- Length: 91.2 feet (27.8 meters)
- Beam: 17.4 feet (5.3 meters)
- Depth: 5.7 feet (1.7 meters)
- Dimensions:
- Gross Tonnage: 110 tons
- Net Tonnage: 80 tons
- Vessel History
- Construction and Initial Role:
- Originally built as a sidewheeler named DARIUS COLE in 1885 by Globe Shipbuilding in Cleveland.
- Construction and Initial Role:
- Name Changes and Conversion:
- Renamed HURON in 1906.
- Renamed COLONIAL in 1921.
Converted from a sidewheeler to a propeller vessel after 1910. This conversion also included a walking-beam engine, making it a unique propulsion system for a vessel of its type.
Service Use: Throughout its service, the vessel was used for both passenger transport and as an auto carrier, marking it as a versatile vessel for excursions and local transport.
Loss of the COLONIAL
On September 2, 1925, the COLONIAL embarked on a journey to its home port in Dunkirk, NY, where it was scheduled to take on an excursion party destined for Crystal Beach. Tragically, while off the coast of Barcelona, NY in Lake Erie, a fire broke out onboard, quickly engulfing the vessel. The blaze gutted the ship, causing it to sink in shallow water. Sadly, four lives were lost in the incident.
Additional Information
Post-Sinking: After the fire and sinking, the remains of the COLONIAL were later recovered for scrap and dismantled at Dunkirk, NY.
Historical Significance: The COLONIAL’s unique history of name changes and its conversion from a sidewheeler to a propeller vessel with a walking-beam engine provides insight into maritime adaptation and the vessel’s continued service across different roles.
Photographic Records: Images of the COLONIAL show it in its final converted form, indicating its distinctive features as a propeller-driven excursion vessel.
Summary
The COLONIAL, originally named DARIUS COLE and later HURON, had a storied history marked by its multiple name changes and modifications. Despite its adaptations, the vessel ultimately met a tragic fate when it caught fire and sank in Lake Erie while en route to an excursion destination. The loss not only claimed four lives but also ended the vessel’s decades-long service.
colonial-darius-cole-huron-us-127089 1925-09-02 07:54:00