Alaska (Propeller), broke machinery, 16 Aug 1871

Propeller ALASKA, broke her shaft in Lake Erie and was towed to Detroit.
      Marine Disasters on the Western
      Lakes during 1871, Capt. J.W. Hall

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      BROKE DOWN. - The iron screw steamer ALASKA, from Chicago, which passed this point Tuesday evening shortly after 6 o'clock, on reaching Lake Erie met with an accident to her machinery which prevented her from prosecuting her voyage. The tug HERCULES took her in tow, and on reaching the foot of Bois Blanc Island, got her aground. One report is that she was got off and taken to Malden, where she awaits the arrival of the MERCHANT, belonging to the same line, when it will be determined what course to persue. Parties, however, who came up the river last evening, say the ALASKA was still aground at 5 P.M. She had on board 35,000 bu 35,000 bu of corn, 8,000 bu of wheat, 3,000 bu of barley, and sundries. - Detroit Post, 17th.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      Friday, August 18, 1871

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      THE ALASKA DISASTER. - The cause of the accident which happened to this propeller on Wednesday, in Lake Erie, was the breaking of her shaft, said to be the outboard one, in which event she will necessarily have to go into dry dock to replace the same. The report which reached here that she had been got off the reef and reached Malden was premature. She was still aground on the shoal yesterday morning below Bois Blanc Island, with two lighters alongside to relieve her of a portion of her cargo. The tug HERCULES is also at hand, rendering whatever aid is possible. The propeller MERCHANT, belonging to the
same line, passed down this morning early, and would add material assistance towards floating her, and possibly tow the ALASKA through to Buffalo. - Detroit Free Press, 18th.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      Saturday, August 19, 1871

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      THE ALASKA ARRIVED. - The propeller ALASKA, of Evan's Chicago Line, which broke her shaft while off Bois Blanc Island, arrived here yesterday in tow of the MERCHANT of the same line. She will make the necessary repairs.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      Monday, August 21, 1871

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