British Whig (Kingston, ON), April 14, 1883

p.1

MARINE ACCIDENT.

An Oswego Tug Wrecked - A Peculiar Mishap

Case For The Underwriters.

Oswego has led off with the first marine disaster. On Wednesday afternoon last the tug M.J. Cummings, well known here, was dropping down with the schr. Annie Mulvey from the coal trestle and the schr. had passed through the draw, when the stern of the tug grazed the abutment and the bow was thrown out into the current in such a way that the tug swung round as if on a pivot until the bow struck the dock on the west side, where she remained hard and fast thrown partly on her side and held as if in a vice by the fierce current. Tug men worked to rescue her from her perilous predicament until about 4 o'clock, when the stern lines were cut and soon after the bow swung farther north and the tug immediately filled and sank and now lies on the bottom, blocking the Western passage and making it impossible for vessels to go up the river. Many plans have been thought of for raising the tug, but it is the universal opinion among vessel men that it will be a labor of extreme difficulty and it is doubtful whether they will be able to extricate her in good shape. As she lies now from what can be seen it does not appear as if a bolt had started. The tug Cummings was built in Oswego during the winter of 1881-82 and was owned by Donovan Bros. Nothing was spared to make her a good boat, and she was generally conceded to be as strong a tug as could be built with wood and iron. She was valued at $9,000 and insured for $6,000, of which $3,000 was in the Greenwich and $3,000 in the Western Travellers Insurance Co.'s. Capt. Donovon abandoned her to the Underwriters. A suit of $5,000 is now pending against the owners of the tug Cummings and she was running under bonds of $10,000. She will be removed as quickly as possible and repaired.

p.3 Inspecting Steamers - Mr. McHeleny is the Inspector of Hulls and Outfits who is examining the Kingston boats. He is making careful notes of all the steamers' equipments, and will shortly intimate the requirements of the crafts. The law this year will be strictly carried out, and all necessary appliances for fire protection and the saving of life must be provided.

p.3

MARINE MATTERS.

F.W. Henshaw, Secretary of the Dominion Salvage and Wrecking Company, says the Folger never failed a single day during the Winter in making connection between Murray Bay and the South Shore opposite. She did not during the most severe part of the Winter reach her wharf on the South shore, owing to the ice which fringed the shore, but she always succeeded in reaching firm ice, from which passengers and mail carriers could make their way to shore safely.

The steamers Spartan and Magnet have been chartered for service on the Georgian Bay. Although these boats are two of the largest which pass through the canal, doubts are entertained of their adaptability for the lake service. A trial will, however, be made.

The steam yacht E.A. Vanhorne runs this year from Cape Vincent to Alexandria Bay in connection with the R.W. & R.R.

Here & There - Capt. Cuthbert says Ross Cummings has no pecuniary interest in Atalanta.

Inspecting Steamers - Mr. McIlleny ? is the Inspector of Hulls & Outfits.