IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Klotowah, initially launched as the Margaret, was a luxurious steam-powered yacht representative of early 20th-century leisure cruising. Built in 1902, this vessel catered to the affluent class, providing an opulent mode of travel for recreation and social gatherings. With a Gross Tonnage of 88 tons, the Klotowah was moderately sized, making it versatile for maneuvering the waterways it navigated, including the East Coast and, later, the St. Lawrence River. The vessel was manned by a crew of seven, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for its owners and guests.

HISTORY

The yacht was initially named Margaret and spent much of its service life providing luxurious cruises for its private owners. In 1916, it was renamed Klotowah, possibly reflecting a change in ownership or a desire to rebrand the vessel. As steam yachts gained popularity among the wealthy elite during the Gilded Age, the Klotowah symbolized the period’s grandeur and leisurely lifestyle.

On May 12, 1916, while traveling on the St. Lawrence River, a fire broke out aboard the yacht. Although the exact cause of the fire is not recorded, it consumed the vessel entirely. Remarkably, the incident resulted in no loss of life. The crew and passengers successfully evacuated, but the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Klotowah was completely destroyed by fire during its voyage on the St. Lawrence River. The remnants of the vessel likely sank, but there is no record of any significant salvage or modern discovery of the wreckage. Its destruction marked the end of the yacht’s service as a symbol of early 20th-century maritime luxury.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or specific navigational advisories regarding the wreck site of the Klotowah. The event is primarily of historical interest.

LOCATED BY & DATE

  • Incident Date: May 12, 1916
  • The exact location of the wreckage has not been documented in historical or modern records.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • Merchant Vessel List (U.S., 1916): Losses of American vessels during the reported period.
  • Vessel History Reports: Documents from U.S. Merchant Vessel Lists, 1915 and 1916, detailing the operational and ownership history of the Klotowah.

KEYWORDS

Klotowah, Margaret, Steam Yacht, St. Lawrence River Shipwreck, 1916 Maritime Incident, Luxury Vessel, Gilded Age Yachts, Fire Aboard Ship.

CONCLUSION

The Klotowah, formerly Margaret, serves as a poignant reminder of the Gilded Age’s luxury and the inherent dangers of early 20th-century steam-powered vessels. Though no lives were lost in the 1916 fire that consumed the yacht, its destruction highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden-hulled steam vessels operating on the St. Lawrence River. The absence of modern exploration or detailed wreckage documentation leaves the Klotowah’s final resting place shrouded in mystery, preserving its legacy as a piece of maritime history.