Erie (Tug), collision, 29 Jul 1901

When the stmr. NORTH WEST came into Buffalo harbor from Chicago yesterday morning the tug ERIE of the Great Lakes Towing Co. was tied up at the Richmond Elevator dock. In winding about, under her own steam, the NORTH WEST struck her bow against the ERIE's house careening her over and leaving a bad daub of red paint on her own white overhang. As the tug listed the long propeller of the white giant slipped under her hull, inflicting a cruel blow on her bottom plate that crushed them like an eggshell and nearly placed the smaller craft on her beam ends. There was one one on board the ERIE at the time, but the accident was witnessed by the crew of another tug and they quickly attached a line to the broken boat and towed her into the shallow water of the Richmond Street slip before she went down. Her house is shifted and splintered and will have to be rebuilt. A diver's services will doubtless be required to patch up the rent in her bottom so she can be pumped out and taken to drydock.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      July 28, 1901 2-5

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      Owing to the rise in the water of Buffalo River, caused by a strong wind blowing down the lake, it was found necessary to have a diver assist in raising the tug ERIE, sunk near the Richmond Elevator. The water was so deep that syphons could not be used successfully in getting the water out of the foundered boat. The hole punched in her hull by the Northern boat last Saturday must first be patched, which will probably be done today. Afterwards she will be pumped out and taken to Buffalo Drydock.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      July 31, 1901 2-4

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      Today the tug ERIE which has been in drydock for repairs of damage sustained by being struck by the stmr. NORTH WEST, will be floated out.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      August 7, 1901 2-5

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