E. R. Williams (Schooner), collision, 23 Sep 1875

The schr. MARION EGAN bound up with a cargo of coal was sunk last night by collision with the schr. E.R. WILLIAMS, wheat-laden. The collision occurred about midnight off Thunder Bay light, Lake Huron. Two men were lost on the EGAN. The WILLIAMS was considerably damaged forward.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      September 23, 1875 3-5



The schooner MARION EGAN, bound up with a cargo of coal was run into by the schooner E.R. WILLIAMS bound down with a cargo of grain in the vicinity of Thunder Bay Light; early yesterday morning and sunk in 17 fathoms of water. The EGAN carried to the bottom with her, one of her crew and the Captain's son who was on board. The WILLIAMS was considerably injured about the bows and is on her way to this port towed by the tug CITY OF ALPENA.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Friday, September 24, 1875



Relative to the recent collision on Lake Erie between the schrs. MARION EGAN and E.R. WILLIAMS, by which the former was sunk, Capt. Louch of the EGAN, writes that the schooner lies sunk in about 35 fathoms of water a little south of Thunder Bay. The crew with the exception of Patrick Louch, son of the captain, and a sailor, name unknown, were saved. The vessel was valued at $10,000 and was only partially insured. She belonged to Mr. W. Christie of Erie, the same gentleman, who just lost the schr. CITY OF BUFFALO, at Sand Beach. As she is sunk in 210 ft. of water she cannot possibly be raised and will prove a total loss.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      September 25, 1875 3-6




      Respecting the late collision between the schooners E. R. WILLIAMS and MARION EGAN in Lake Huron, about I7 miles South East from Thunder Bay Light, the following are the circumstances of the case reported by the Captain of the WILLIAMS and corroborated so far as the position of the vessels is concerned by the mate and wheelman of the EGAN:- "On the 22nd. ult. the WILLIAMS, laden with wheat bound for Buffalo, passed Thunder Bay Light at 9:30 p. m., wind, South West, vessel heading South by east, close hauled, starboard tack. About 11:45 the mate, who was on watch saw a red light on the Port bow. This was the light of the EGAN, which was sailing with a free wind, and no thought of collision was ascertained. The WILLIAMS kept on the starboard tack. Just before the collision occurred the green light of the approaching vessel became visible, and the mate immediately called the captain, but before two minutes had elapsed the vessels collided, the WILLIAMS striking the EGAN on the starboard bow, and the latter sank in about six or eight minutes. Two of the crew were unfortunately drowned. The remainder were rescued, the Captain being almost exhausted when picked up by the men of the WILLIAMS. The mate of the EGAN informed Captain Gifford of the WILLIAMS that he did not see his vessel approaching, but it is very evident that a proper look-out was not kept as the lights on the WILLIAMS were properly placed and burning brightly, and the night was clear. The damage to the WILLIAMS will not exceed $500. The vessel is now in dry-dock at Detroit, and eKpects to proceed on her way in a day or two, her cargo appears to be uninjured. -- -- Toledo Blade.
      Toronto Daily Globe
      Monday, October 4, 1875