City of Berlin (Propeller), U126717, sunk by collision, 7 Aug 1904

The propeller CITY OF BERLIN is now lying on the bottom of the Detroit River as a result of a collision with the propeller CHILI off Windmill Point. The crew of the BERLIN escaped in a small boat and the CHILI continued to Port Huron, there making temporary repairs and later leaving for Chicago. As the boat swung around from the force of the impact, she was rammed again and again. Capt. Goodrow of the BERLIN tried to make for shore when he saw his boat was sinking, but the last blow from the CHILI disabled her steering gear and the BERLIN could only drift with the stream.
      The boat was carried about two miles when she went down a short distance from shore. Nothing is visible of the boat except the pilot house and the smoke stack. It is believed she is a total loss. The BERLIN was built in 1891 and was owned by Henry Wineman of Detroit. She carried no insurance.
      Buffalo Evening News
      August 9, 1904


      Capt. M. M. Drake, who left Sunday night for Milwaukee, where he will attend the trial of the CHILI vs CITY OF BERLIN, is expected back the latter part of this week. The case is now before Judge Seamans of the United States Court, and the evidence is nearly all in. The question at issue is as to which vessel is to blame for the collision which occurred on the night of August 7, 1904, at the turn in Detroit River on the Windmill Point Range, at which time the CHILI was only slightly damaged while the BERLIN was sunk. Later she was raised and repaired at Manitowoc, and libeled the CHILI for $70,000. Capt. Drake is managing owner of the CHILI.
      Buffalo Evening News
      April 4, 1905
     

Capt. H.W. Baker last night secured a contract to raise the propeller CITY OF BERLIN, which was sunk by the CHILI on Belle Isle a week ago Sunday. The boat will be cofferdamed and a canvas jacket will be placed around her to float her to Detroit. Baker expects to have the BERLIN afloat in 10 days.
      Buffalo Evening News
      August 17, 1904


Wrecker W.H. Baker yesterday took the wreck of the propeller CITY OF BERLIN to Detroit. The boat is in bad shape and it is not known what will be done with her. She was sunk off Belle Isle by the propeller CHILI on Aug. 7.
      Buffalo Evening News
      September 8, 1904


      Steam screw OAKWOOD.* U.S. No. 126717. Of 2,051 tons gross; 1,711 tons net. Built at West Bay City, Mich., in 1891. Home port, Buffalo, N.Y. 298.0 x 41.0 x 21.0 and a crew of 10. Freight service. Of 1,250 indicated horse power. Owned by Hubert Riley.
      * Formerly steam screw [a] CITY OF BERLIN, [b] CHARLES A. LUCK, [c] RICHLAND STAR.
      Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1925