Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James B. Colgate
- Type: Whaleback Steamer
- Year Built: 1892
- Builder: American Steel Barge Company
- Dimensions: 308 ft (94 m); Beam: 38 ft; Depth of hold: 24 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 1,713 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 25 m / 75 ft
- Location: Erieau, Ontario, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: 42° 05.374000 N, 081° 44.255000 W
- Official Number: US 77019
- Original Owners: American Steel Barge Company, Bessemer Steamship Company, Pittsburgh Steamship Company, Standard Transit
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Whaleback Steamer
Description
The James B. Colgate was a steel whaleback freighter, notable for its unique design featuring a long, narrow hull, rounded sides, blunt bow, and flat bottom. This design allowed it to navigate the Great Lakes effectively, minimizing resistance from waves.
History
Launched on September 21, 1892, the James B. Colgate was built in West Superior, Wisconsin. It served various fleets throughout its operational life, including the American Steel Barge Company and the Pittsburgh Steamship Company. The vessel was primarily used to transport cargo across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- October 20, 1916: The James B. Colgate sank during a severe storm on Lake Erie, part of the maritime disaster known as ‘Black Friday’.
- Only one of the 26 crew members, Captain Walter Grashaw, survived the sinking.
- The storm also claimed three other vessels, resulting in a total loss of 49 lives.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the James B. Colgate was discovered in 1991, resting upside down approximately 12 miles southwest of Erieau, Ontario. The site serves as a somber reminder of the tragic events of ‘Black Friday’.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of 75 feet (25 meters) and is accessible to divers with advanced skills. It is important for divers to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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The James B. Colgate remains a significant part of maritime history, representing both the engineering marvels of its time and the tragic consequences of nature’s fury. Divers are encouraged to explore the site responsibly and ethically.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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