Mocking Bird (Tug), sunk by collision, 28 Aug 1882

Yesterday the tug GLADIATOR bound up with a tow, collided with and sunk the MOCKING BIRD, down, light, a little nearer Canada than the place where the VICTOR sunk last summer. The GLADIATOR blew one and the MOCKING BIRD announced two. Both turned towards Canada. The MOCKING BIRD struck on the starboard amidships and sunk in 10 minutes. The crew were saved. She was insured for $12,800. A few inches of her smokestack shows above water.
      Cleveland Plain Dealer
      August 29, 1882 8-3


At about 1:00 this morning the tug MOCKING BIRD bound down, and the tug GLADIATOR bound up, had a collision in the channel opposite Walkerville. The MOCKING BIRD was struck on the starboard bow and sank in a few minutes.
      Port Huron Times
      August 28, 1882


The contract for raising the MOCKING BIRD was given to S.A. Murphy of Detroit. The smoke stack is showing above the water but her pilot house broke off when she sunk in 30 ft. of water.
      Port Huron Times
      August 30, 1882


Detroit, Mich., Sept. 4. -- The wrecking tug PRINCE ALFRED ran aground on the Canada side of the river a few miles above Walkerville, on Sunday, while getting ready to be used in raising the tug MOCKING BIRD. All attempts to work her off with anchors proved unavailing, and the steamer HOPE was sent to her assistance. At last accounts the HOPE had not returned. This mishap is doubly annoying from the fact that it delayed the removal of the MOCKING BIRD, which is now a much-dreaded obstruction to the navigation of the river.
      The J.W. Hall Great lakes Marine Scrapbook, September, 1882
     

The tug MOCKING BIRD has been raised and is in Detroit Drydock.
      Port Huron Times
      October 4, 1882