Hunting New England Shipwrecks

Wreckhunter.net

Hunting New England Shipwrecks

City of Columbus

Click on thumbnail image for a larger view

City of Columbus
(Paul Sherman collection)

City of Columbus and
Revenue Cutter Dexter
(Paul Sherman collection)

City of Columbus
Photo of wreck
(Peabody Essex Museum)

City of Columbus
Map of fatal course
(Paul Sherman collection)

First report on wreck
N.Y. Times - 19 jan 1884
(Author's collection)

Gay Head - Martha's Vineyard
where the ship was lost
(Author's collection)

The table below provides historical and statistical data on the vessel. Some of the information may be incomplete. If you have additions or corrections, please e-mail us at the address listed below.

Shipwreck Data
Vessel Name	City of Columbus
Other Names
Vessel Type	Passenger Steamer
Owner	Boston & Savannah Steamship Co.
Length / Beam / Draft (feet)	275' / 38' 26'
Tonnage	2,200
Hull Construction	Iron
Propulsion	Steam / Screw
Cargo	Passengers and freight
Built	1878
Date of Loss	January 18, 1884
Reason for Loss	Struck Devil's Bridge on a clear night, backed off and sank quickly
Fatalities	103
Location	Just off north side of Devil's Bridge, off Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, MA, approximately 1/2 mile off shore
Coordinates (Lat/Lon)	41-21-36N / 70-50-55W also 41-21-40N / 70-50-45W
Coordinates (Loran C)
Water Depth (feet)	Probably 50' maximum
Typical Visibility (feet)
Wreck Condition	Probably mostly broken up
Diving Considerations	Strong current area
Other Information

Attention Divers

The information on this page was obtained from a variety of sources. Although we have attempted to make it as accurate as possible, it may contain errors. For your personal safety, use extreme caution when diving on this wreck.

For more information on this wreck's location and history, and water and diving conditions in the area, contact local dive shop personnel, dive charter boat operators and local fishermen. Also check out the other shipwreck Websites listed on our Favorite Links page.

To go to other pages on this site, use the Site Navigator at left, or click here to go to our Home Page.

Comments or questions
editor@wreckhunter.net

Click on thumbnail image for a larger view

City of Columbus (Paul Sherman collection)	City of Columbus and Revenue Cutter Dexter (Paul Sherman collection)

City of Columbus Photo of wreck (Peabody Essex Museum)	City of Columbus Map of fatal course (Paul Sherman collection)

First report on wreck N.Y. Times - 19 jan 1884 (Author's collection)	Gay Head - Martha's Vineyard where the ship was lost (Author's collection)