Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ========================================================================== Reports of the Department of Commerce and Labor, 1906 Report of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor and Reports of Bureaus Washington Government Printing Office, 1906 (includes Cleveland, Buffalo, Oswego, Toledo, Burlington) Page 387 REPORT OF THE STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE CASUALTIES, VIOLATIONS OF LAW, AND INVESTIGATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1905 NINTH SUPERVISING DISTRICT LOCAL DISTRICT OF CLEVELAND, OHIO May 3. - Fish tug ROCKET, 36 gross tons, while leaving Lorain Harbor, struck a sunken crib that was being used by contractors for public work, causing the tug to sink. The tug was raised. Estimated damage, $1,000. No person injured. May 12. - While steamer H. B. HAWGOOD, 4,655 gross tons, was on Lake Erie, 50 miles above Long Point, Capt. T. C. Ellis, of said steamer, accidently fell overboard and was drowned. The steamer H. B. HAWGOOD traversed the course for 55 minutes, but the body could not be seen, which was picked up later by the steamer LIZZIE MADDEN. The first mate took charge of the steamer and brought her to the port of destination, viz, Bufffalo, N.Y. September 7. - Steamer LIVINGSTON, 2,134 gross tons, while passing down the Cuyahoga River, Main street bridge having been opened to let her pass, and as the LIVINGSTON was passing through, the bridge was also being closed, and the end of the bridge struck the steamer aft, knocking down her stack, and damaging some of her steam pipes. One of the firemen was scalded. October 13. - While steamer ROBERT FULTON, 4,219 gross tons, was pick- ing up her consort on Lake Erie off Ashtabula, Ohio, in a heavy sea, her anchor chain parted; she then swung around against her consort, barge KRUPP, breaking a hole in the steamer's side. The steamer came to Cleve- land for repairs. Estimated damage to steamer ROBERT FULTON, $2,000. Estimated damage to barge KRUPP, $1,000. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -388- REPORT OF THE STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE CASUALTIES, VIOLATIONS OF LAW, AND INVESTIGATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1905 NINTH SUPERVISING DISTRICT LOCAL DISTRICT OF CLEVELAND, OHIO October 17. - It having come to our knowledge that Henry L. Mitchell, chief engineer of steamer GEO. H. RUSSEL was carrying more steam pressure on the boilers of said steamer than allowed by her certificate of inspection, we traveled to Fairport, Ohio, and there made a complete exam- ination and test of those boilers, and found that said Henry L. Mitchell, the chief engineer of the steamer GEO. H. RUSSEL was carrying more steam pressure than allowed by the certificate of inspection. For thus vio- lating the law we suspend the chief engineer license of Henry L. Mitchell for 5 months. Before leaving the steamer we set the safety valves for the pressure allowed by the certificate of inspection. Have also reported the matter to the U. S. district attorney. October 20. - Steamer SARAH E. SHELDON, 517 gross tons, while on Lake Erie, about 6 miles east of Lorain, Ohio, a heavy sea running, sprung a leak, which gained rapidly, so that her pumps could not keep her free; she was run on the beach to keep her from sinking, being distant therefrom about 600 feet. While making for the shore a lifeboat was being lowered, into which 2 wheelsmen had got. They were wearing life-preservers. The boat capsized, throwing the 2 men into the water, which rapidly washed both of them beyond reach and they were drowned. The balance of the crew were taken to Lorain, Ohio, by 2 tugs that had come to their assistance. Meanwhile the wind had developed into a gale, which had pounded the steamer SARAH E. SHELDON so badly that she is a total loss. October 20. - Steamer WISCONSIN, 4,858 gross tons, while leaving Lorain Harbor, and when just outside the piers, encountered a heavy wind; was driven against the breakwater, damaging several plates and frames. She returned to Lorain, and went into dry dock for repairs. Estimated damage, $4,000. LOCAL DISTRICT OF BUFFALO April 8. - While bucking ice on Lake Erie, about 6 miles from Buffalo breakwater, steamer MARTIN MULLEN struck stern of steamer SONORA, damaging latter vessel to the extent of $1,000. April 10. - When steamer HURLBUT W. SMITH was abreast of Long Point, Lake Erie, en route from Buffalo to Chicago, the weather being foggy at the time, she encountered a heavy field of ice, damaging plates and frames to the amount of $1,000. The was running under check. April 10. - When steamer WILLIAM NOTTINGHAM was about 45 miles from Buffalo, on Lake Erie, running half speed, the weather being very foggy, the steamer ran into a field of ice, which stove in some plates and bent some frames, doing damage to the amount of $1,000. April 10. - When steamer B. LYMAN SMITH was about 45 miles from Buffalo, on Lake Erie, running at a slow speed on account of fog, she encountered a field of very hard ice, damaging bow plates by corrugation and bending some of the light frames. Damage estimated at $1,000. April 27. - Steamer APPOMATTOX, en route from Escanaba to Buffalo, when abreast of Wind Mill Point, Lake Erie, struck a rocky ledge, and part of the cargo had to be lightered in order to release the vessel. The steamer was running slowly at the time, there being a fog and heavy ice. Damage $4,000. May 17. - While steamer NIAGARA was in the Niagara River opposite Buffalo, en route from Duluth to Tonawanda, she struck some obstruction, causing a leak and doing damage estimated at $3,500. May 25. - While steamer ALCONA was in the Niagara River at Tonawanda she struck an obstruction in the bottom of the river, breaking shoe, stern post and wheel. The vessel managed to get to her dock, where she sank. Damage, $3,000. June 17. - While steamer P. J. RALPH was en route to Niagara Falls she struck an obstruction in the Niagara River near Navy Island, damaging hull to the amount of $1,500. August 15. - While steamer IDLEWILD was en route from Buffalo to Crystal Beach the sleeve coupling on rudder post broke, rendering rudder useless. Other steamers attempted to get lines to the Idlewild, and in so doing one came in contact with her, damaging plates somewhat. A portion of the smokestack was lost, occasioned by the steamer rolling in the heavy sea while she was being towed back to Buffalo. Damage, $1,500. August 24. - While steamer W. J. WARWICK was coaling up at the Buffalo Fuel Company's dock, Blackwell Canal, Buffalo Harbor, too much coal was dumped on one side and the tug capsized, drowning the engineer, Wm. Bodamor. September 12. - While steamer J. T. HUTCHINSON was lying at the Eastern Elevator, Charles Merz, a fireman, fell overboard and was drowned. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -389- REPORT OF THE STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE CASUALTIES, VIOLATIONS OF LAW, AND INVESTIGATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1905 NINTH SUPERVISING DISTRICT LOCAL DISTRICT OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK September 21. - While steamer L. L. BARTH was making a landing at the Government breakwater, she struck her stem, opening a scarf, and necessitating going into dry dock for repairs. Damage, $250. October 9. - While steamer J. F. EDDY was at the Anchor Line dock, in Buffalo Creek, Herman Davies, a wheelman, fell into the hold of the vessel and was instantly killed. October 20. - Steamer WESTERN STATES was caught in the severe storm that prevailed on Lake Erie, and being unable to make Buffalo Harbor with safety, was obliged to run back under Long Point for shelter. Damage caused by the heavy seas to staterooms, bulwarks, etc., $8,000. October 20. - Steamer SIBERIA was on Lake Erie about 30 miles west of Long Point, en route to Buffalo. While the steamer was laboring in the heavy seas the machinery became disabled. Repairs were made and steamer H. S. WILKINSON stayed by until the SIBERIA got around Long Point. Water continued to gain in the hold and steamer J. H. WADE shoved the SIBERIA toward the shore, where she sunk in 22 feet of water. Before she could be refloated another gale sprung up and she went to pieces. Loss of vessel, $45,000. October 23. - Steamer HURON was coming up Buffalo Creek and when passing Commercial slip the tug HUDSON came out and attempted to pass between the HURON and steamer RAMAPO, which was lying at the dock. The tug was caught between the two steamers and sunk, and fireman Thomas Smith drowned. Case investigated October 24 to 28; decision, November 2, suspending license of Simon Staley, master of the tug HUDSON, for a period of 6 months, for violation of the pilot rules. November 15. - Towing steamers ROBERT H. HEBARD and PURITAN collided in Buffalo Harbor. Case investigated November 20, and license of David Hazen, pilot of steamer PURITAN, suspended for 6 months for violation of the pilot rules. November 16. - Complaint was made against steamer LIZZIE MADDEN for being navigated from Duluth to Tonawanda with a fireman acting as second engineer. Matter investigated November 27 and license of Wm. J. Lynn, master, suspended for 15 days. Case also referred to the U. S. District attorney and collector of customs for the imposition of penalties incurred. December 10. - Fire broke out on steamer JOHN MAHAR, which was moored to a dock in Black Rock Harbor, Buffalo, destroying engine room and upper works. Origin of fire unknown; damage, $500. LOCAL DISTRICT OF OSWEGO, N.Y. June 18. - Steamer SAMUEL MARSHALL, bound down Lake Ontario, stranded on the Main Duck Islands during a dense fog. Was lightered and pulled off. Damage to vessel estimated at $500. August 10. - As steamer LOOKOUT was coming out of a bay between Point Lookout and Newport, on Irondquoit Bay, a skiff, with 4 occupants, cross- ing her bow was not seen until too late to avoid a collision. The skiff was sunk and 1 person (Fred McCormick) drowned. August 30. - Steamer CALUMET, when about 150 yards westward of Duck Island, river St. Lawrence, and running at reduced speed, the propeller struck on point of reef. Damage estimated at $300. September 12. - Steamer NICARAGUA, bound west in Soulonge Canal, and when about half a mile from the Canada Atlantic Railroad bridge, saw a green light displayed, indicating that the bridge was open. Steamer approached slowly, after blowing three whistles. When within 300 or 400 feet Captain Owens noticed that the bridge was closed. Reversed full speed, but struck bridge lightly. No damage to vessel. September 20. - Steamer SOPHIA, of Alexandria Bay, N.Y., while lying at the dock at Rockport, Ontario, was totally destroyed by fire. Origin of fire unknown, the crew being at supper on shore at the time. Reported value of vessel, $7,000. LOCAL DISTRICT OF TOLEDO, OHIO November 26, last, we reported to your office on form 2161 that, November 19, 1904, steamer PHILIP MINCH was destroyed by fire when on Lake Erie near Marblehead Point, which however, resulted in no loss of life. We have since concluded the investigation of this case, and as a result thereof have, on the 24th day of March, suspended the license of Bernard A. Benson, master and pilot, and Myron W. Sweet, chief engineer, for violation of that part of section 4450, Revised Statutes, relating to negligence, in that said licensed officers who were in charge of said steamer at time of fire did not stand by the steamer, and made no apparent effort to extinguish -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -390- REPORT OF THE STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE CASUALTIES, VIOLATIONS OF LAW, AND INVESTIGATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1905 NINTH SUPERVISING DISTRICT LOCAL DISTRICT OF TOLEDO, OHIO the flames. Said suspension covers a period of 6 months, commencing March 24 and ending September 24, 1905. May 6. - Sand-dredge steamer COMMERCE, of Toledo, Ohio, 112 gross tons, while lying at anchor on Maumee River, was collided with by the sand- dredge steamer L. G. POWELL, of Toledo, Ohio. Estimated damage to steamer COMMERCE, $300; to steamer L. G. POWELL, $100. No lives lost. There was a strong current running at the time of collision, and, in our opinion, the master of steamer L. G. POWELL lost control of his steamer. May 19. - Steamer LILY, 104 gross tons, while lying at the Hocking Valley dock, Toledo, Ohio, caught fire from some unknown cause. Loss, $5,000. June 7. - Fishing steamer GRACE M., 12 gross tons, when about 6 miles east of Middle Island, Lake Erie, was collided with by the Canadian Government steamer VIGILANT, resulting in the sinking and total loss of the steamer GRACE M. and the drowning of 2 of her crew. July 15. - Steamer JAMES P. DONALDSON, 521 gross tons, while lying at dock, Midland, Ontario, caught fire and was damaged to the extent of about $500. Origin of fire unknown. No loss of life reported. July 18. - Towing steamer SHEBOYGAN, of Buffalo, 63 gross tons, while lying at dock on Maumee River, was damaged by fire to the extent of $400. Origin of fire unknown. No lives lost. August 15. - Steamer STATE OF NEW YORK, 807 gross tons, while en route from Cleveland to Toledo, Ohio, and when 10 miles east of Middle Island, Lake Erie, the starboard shaft broke. The anchor was let go and temporary repairs made. The steamer then proceeded to Detroit, Mich., where permanent repairs are now being made. Estimated damage, $10,000. September 16. - While the steamer LOUISE, 83 gross tons, was near Middle Island, Lake Erie, her intermediate shaft broke. The steamer was towed to Toledo, Ohio, for repairs. No person injured; estimated damage, $100. November 3. - Steamer PLUTO, of Toledo, Ohio, 4 gross tons, while at Edgewater, Ohio, was damaged by fire to the extent of $350. No lives lost. Origin of fire unknown. November 23. - Steamer CITY OF ROME, 1,908 gross tons, stranded on a shoal near Middle Island, Lake Erie, owing to a smoky haze which existed at the time, the distance thereby being miscalculated. The steamer was released and towed to Cleveland for repairs. No lives lost. November 28. - Steamer SHELDON, Bros., of Cleveland, Ohio, 13 gross tons, was navigated in the vicinity of Vermillion Ohio, without having her certificate of inspection on board. The case was reported to the district attorney and collector of customs. LOCAL DISTRICT OF BURLINGTON, VT. June 30. - Steamer MARIQUITA, returning from Plattsburg, N.Y., to Burlington, with 22 passengers, grounded on hogback reef. Passengers were taken ashore in small boats without accident. Steamer was pulled off the next morning; no damage done to vessel. July 5. - Steamer LIBERTY, while lying at her dock, St. Albans Bay, Vt., caught fire and was totally destroyed. No loss of life; damage to steamer, $3,000. ===========================================================================