W. S. Hancock (Propeller), Govt., sunk by collision, 16 Aug 1905

SURVEY BOAT DOES DOWN IN A COLLISION.
      The HANCOCK Was Crossing St. Clair Channel When She Was Struck By Freighter.
      (by Associated Press)
Detroit, Aug. 17. - The United States lake survey boat HANCOCK was sunk in Lake St. Clair yesterday about two miles north of the Grosse Pointe lightship. No lives were lost.
      E.S. Wheeler, assistant chief United States district engineer, was on board the HANCOCK making soundings for the proposed 25-foot channel. The HANCOCK was crossing the channel when the package freighter BINGHAMPTON of Buffalo, bound up, struck her bow and damaged the HANCOCK so seriously that she sunk in two minutes. The officers and crew escaped in life boats.
The HANCOCK is 100 feet long and is 15 years old. She will probably be raised. Captain C.L. Wilson of Detroit, who was in command of the HANCOCK, said that he had exchanged port signals with the BINGHAMPTON.
      Buffalo Evening News
      August 17, 1905

      . . . . .

      The government steamer HANCOCK, which was sunk in St. Clair River in collision with the steamer BINGHAMPTON, will be raised at once, contract for the work having been let by District Engineer Davis to Capt. H.W. Baker of Detroit. A diver has ascertained that the HANCOCK has a 12 foot hole in the hull. The wreck is marked by two white lights. Col. Davis will advise action against the BINGHAMPTON for delay in answering signals.
      Buffalo Evening News
      August 18, 1905

      . . . . .
     
District Engineer Davis has chartered from W. P. Parker, of Detroit the yacht WAYWARD, which will replace the Government steamer HANCOCK in the work of the 25-foot channel in Lake St. Clair. Capt. Harris baker is now raising the HANCOCK, and she will be thoroughly repaired at once.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Wednesday, August 23, 1905