Akron (Propeller), U394, burnt, 19 Aug 1871

Propeller AKRON, damaged by fire at Ogdensburg.
      Marine Disasters of the Western
      Lakes during 1871, Capt. J.W. Hall.


FIRE ON THE PROP. AKRON. - The N. T. Company's steamer AKRON, lying at
the west side of the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad Co.'s elevator, in this
city with a full load of flour and corn, was discovered to be on fire at three o'clock this
morning. The fire was between decks and in the hold. After fruitless efforts to reach
and put it out, it was determined to flood the vessel with water. By the means of the
water works, steam fire engine No. 1, and the ferry steamer St. LAWRENCE, and a
few auger holes, this was finally accomplished. At six o'clock this morning she was
resting on the bottom of the river with her main deck just above water. As we write,
the steam fire engine is at work pumping out the water so as to get her afloat again.
It is impossible at this time to state the amount of damages. - Ogdensburg Journal.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      Monday, August 28, 1871

     

The steamer AKRON, while lying at the wharves at Ogdensburg, on the night of 19th. of August, was discovered to be on fire in the hold. To prevent a total loss of the vessel and cargo, she was scuttled and sunk. The AKRON had arrived in port about nine o'clock in the evening of the 18th. of August 1871, and the fires had been drawn from her furnaces, and the crew had turned in for the night, except the usual night watch, who discovered the fire after midnight. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained, and no blame could be attached
to any of the licensed officers or crew, as every necessary precaution had been taken to render the vessel safe from fire or otherwise before the crew retired for the night. The steamer was subsequently raised and taken to Oswego to discharge her cargo, which was damaged to the extent of about $3,700. The local board at Oswego condemned the vessel for certain specified repairs. From this action the owners appealed to the supervising inspector, who overruled the decision of the local inspector, and modified their order for repairs, which were made and the vessel was allowed to continue in commission until the close of the year. Damage to vessel $3,300; damage to cargo $3,700. Total $7,000.
      "History of Lake Navigation"
      the Marine Record
      February 17, 1887 p.6