Russia (Propeller), U110063, collision, 9 Aug 1895

STEAMER BRITANNIC SUNK.
      Run Down In The Detroit River Yesterday By The Russia -- One Man Drowned.
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      Detroit, Aug. 10 - The lake steamer BRITANNIC collided with the steamer RUSSIA about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon opposite Wyandotte in the Detroit River and sank in a few minutes in 30 feet of water. All the crew escaped with the exception of one foreman, who was known as Charley and who shipped from Cleveland. He was asleep in his bunk at the time the boats struck and had not time to escape.
      Capt. Benham of the BRITANNIC stated last night that he had sighted the RUSSIA in good season and that the proper passing signals had been given and answered for each boat to go to port. Just as the two boats were about to pass, the wheel chains on the BRITANNIC fouled, and, taking a sudden sheer, she ran directly across the bows of the RUSSIA. A collision was unavoidable, and with a fearful crash the two boats met. The BRITANNIC was struck amidships on the starboard side.
      The BRITANNIC was bound down, loaded with iron ore, while the RUSSIA was bound up light. The BRITANNIC was owned by W.J. White, the Cleveland Chewing gum manufacturer, and measured 1121 gross tons, was 219 feet long and 36 feet beam. She was built in 1888. The RUSSIA is owned by the Lackawanna Transportation Company. She had a bad hole punched in her bow, and is leaking some. She will be docked here for repairs. Vessels should take the American side of the channel while passing this spot to get the best water. The BRITANNIC is insured, but the amount is not known by Capt. Benham. She had a load of iron ore for Erie, Pa. The crew of the steamer will leave for Cleveland today.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Saturday, August 10, 1895



Steam screw RUSSIA. U. S. No. 110063. Of 1,501.77 tons gross; 1,334.57 tons net. Built Buffalo, N.Y., 1872. Home port, Buffalo, N.Y. Of 502 H. P.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1884