E. M. Portch (Schooner), U8300, sunk by collision, 26 Mar 1882

Jacob Johnson, the owner of the sunker schooner E.M. PORTCH, at Sheboygan, learned yesterday that the scow and chain plan for raising the vessel had failed and that piles are now being driven alongside upon which to get a purchase to bring her up. Mr. Johnson hopes the wreckers will succeed. It is "no schooner, no money" for the wreckers.
      The J.W. Hall Great Lakes Marine Scrapbook, July/August, 1882


     
      THE THAYER AND PORTCH.
Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 8.-- The reports received from Sheboygan tonight stated that a diver had made an examination of the schooner J.O. THAYER, and found that she was in better condition that was at first supposed. Part of her cargo of coal has already been removed.
An attempt was made Monday to raise the schooner E.M. PROTCH, stranded at Sheboygan, by raising her with the screws. The heavy pressure drove the piles around her in the ground, and the attempt had to be given up.
      The tug WELCOME , with three scows, leaves for Sheboygan tomorrow. One of the scows has coal for the steam pumps on the schooner E.M.PORTCH.
      The J.W. Hall Great Lakes Marine Scrapbook, Aug. 1882



March 26,1882,the schooner E.M. PORTCH was run down by the propeller LELAND between Manitowoc and Sheboygan and sunk. The collision occurred at 8 o'clock in the evening during the prevalence of a heavy fog. The schooner was owned by Jacob Johnson, of this port who sent two different wrecking expeditions to try and raise the wreck. After many hard days' work, at an expense of $5,200, the schooner was towed as far as the piers at Sheboygan, where she soon went to pieces and became a total loss. Mr. Johnson then commenced suit against the Elk Rapids Iron Company, owners of the LEALAND, to recover damages. Commissioner Proudfoot rendered judgment against the defendants for $18,250, damages and interest, besides the costs. It was decided that the propeller was not only short handed and running at a great rate of speed, but that her whistle was defective and located behind the funnel, contrary to law. - Chicago Tribune
      Marine Record
      Sept. 13, 1883