Silver Spray (Steamboat), aground, 21 Oct 1868

The stmr. SILVER SPRAY, Capt. Duncan Rowan, which was reported by telegraph ashore at Southampton, arrived at this port yesterday. At the time of the disaster, she lay anchored at Saugeen Island, opposite Southampton. A fierce gale set in, causing her to drag anchor and strike on a reef. To prevent any further damage she was scuttled, and on the storm subsiding she was pumped out and got off without difficulty. She came to this port for the purpose of going into Clark's drydock to have her bottom examined. Capt. Rowan deserves much credit for the seamanship displayed in thus saving the steamer from total loss.
      Detroit Free Press
      October 21, 1868

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Accident to the SPRAY. - During the severe gale of Friday night last the steamer SPRAY, while lyning in the shelter of Chantry Island, dragged her anchors, when, to prevent her from going ashore, which would have been sure destruction, Capt. Rowan scuttled her in six or seven feet of water. To repair her will no doubt cost a considerable sum.
      The steamer SPRAY through the energetic action of her captain and crew was sufficiently cleared of water since Friday night as to be able to reach this port on Monday morning, to the surprise and pleasure of our townspeople. She left the same afternoon for the Detroit dry dock for repairs, which will not be so costly by any means as it first apprehended. She will be on her route again in a few days.
      Capt. Rowan certainly deserves credit for his sailor-like conduct throughout.
      Goderich Signal, Semi-Weekly
      Thursday, October 22, 1868