Ocean (Barge), aground \ then sunk, 1 Oct 1873

The tug RESCUE was sent to Tawas to release the old mammoth barge OCEAN, then ashore, which she got off. But the storm was so bad that Captain Fitch was about to turn back and run for Tawas, when the Captain of the OCEAN shouted, "we are all right, go ahead down the lake," and so they continued on with her. Soon after the sea was seen to make horrible breaches in the barge, and she was going to pieces. The tug kept on with her until she was almost sunk, then the line was cut, and the tug turned about, ran under her lee, and rescued her crew by means of the surf boat, a feat which few men would dare to attempt in such circumstances. By this means nine lives were saved. A few moments later the old relic of a bygone age broke in two and went down. The tug then came down toward the river and opposite Sanilac rescued six men and a woman of the barge JOHN F. RUST which was broaching... Thus, after having saved 16 lives in one day, the plucky tug came into port.
P. S. The wreck of the OCEAN went ashore near Port Hope last night.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      Tuesday, October 21, 1873

      . . . . .
     
OCEAN, Barge of 578 tons (new tonnage) Built Marine City by P.S. Myers in 1851. Owned by L. H. & Co. Port of hail, Saginaw. Valued at $6,000. Class C 1.
Remarks-- Formerly steamer.
      National Board of Lake Underwriters
      Lake Vessel Register, 1873