She was powered by a 2,000 horsepower triple expansion steam engine which was attached to a single fixed pitch propeller.

On August 24, 1910 the Cole suffered severe damage when she ran aground in the St. Marys River.

The Cole collided with the barge Iron City on May 13, 1913, on Lake St. Clair cutting her in two and sinking her.

On November 24, 1964 the Cole had a collision with the British vessel MV Inverewe in foggy conditions off the south end of Pipe Island, on the lower St. Marys River.

She arrived in Thunder Bay on July 31, 1980 towed by the tugs Daryl C. Hannah and Malcolm