Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: COLONIAL
• Type: Tugboat
• Year Built: 1923
• Builder: Alpena, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length 55 ft (16.8 m); Beam 15 ft (4.6 m); Depth 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 27 tons; Net Tonnage: 18 tons
• Location: Straits of Mackinac, Michigan
• Official Number: 222843
• Original Owners: William J. Meagher

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Identification

• Vessel Name: COLONIAL
• Type: Tugboat
• Official Number: 222843
• Build Location: Alpena, Michigan
• Year Built: 1923
• Specification:
  • Length: 55 feet (16.8 meters)
  • Beam (Breadth): 15 feet (4.6 meters)
  • Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• Tonnage:
  • Gross Tonnage: 27 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 18 tons
• Home Port: Port Huron, Michigan
• Owner: William J. Meagher

Description

Description

The COLONIAL served as a tow service vessel, assisting other ships and providing support in the Great Lakes region. Operating out of Port Huron, Michigan, this tugboat was integral to regional maritime operations, particularly in towing and maneuvering larger vessels through challenging areas.

History

Service History

The COLONIAL was involved in various towing operations throughout its service life, contributing significantly to the maritime activities in the Great Lakes. Its role as a support vessel was crucial in ensuring the safe navigation of larger vessels in difficult waters.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

• Date of Incident: November 1, 1939
• Location: Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Event: The tugboat COLONIAL stranded in the Straits of Mackinac. Due to the severity of the stranding, the vessel eventually broke up and was deemed a total loss.
• Casualties: None; all three crew members on board at the time of the incident survived.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The loss of the COLONIAL was officially recorded as an American vessel loss and is documented in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States for 1941. This record provides a formal account of the incident and serves as part of the historical record for U.S. maritime incidents on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the COLONIAL is located in the Straits of Mackinac, an area known for its navigational hazards. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”colonial-us-222843″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

Historical Significance

The COLONIAL’s history offers insight into the operational challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels, particularly those serving as support and tow vessels. The stranding and subsequent loss of the tug remind us of the dangers posed by the region’s waters, even for seasoned crews and smaller support vessels.