F. H. Prince (Propeller), U120797, struck obstruction, 12 Nov 1891

Capt. D.A. Kiah of the Vermont Central line steamer F.H. PRINCE, one of the largest boats navigating the Welland canal, reports another obstruction in the Pelee passage, Lake Erie, and locates it W. by N. + N. from Point Pelee light, and on a line with Point Pelee lighthouse and the red buoy north of Colchester. "We were bound down the lake on the evening of Nov. 8," Capt. Kiah says, "drawing 14 feet 10 inches forward and 15 feet aft when we struck very hard on some old wreck and worked over it. Our boat has a heavy wooden bottom and we were fortunate in not sustaining serious injury.
It is thought that the PRINCE, running close to Point Pelee light to avoid, as all deep laden vessels do, the shoal water south of the light, found a spot on the course named in Capt. Kiah's letter, over which the chart gives but 3 + fathoms of water. There may even be less water than is given on the chart with regard to this spot, as has been found to be the case with several other places in this vicinity. Such accident go to show, however, the necessity of the government providing a vessel suitably equipped for locating and removing such obstructions.
      The Marine Review
      November 12, 1891
     
     
Steam screw F.H. PRINCE. U. S. No. 120797. Of 2,047 tons gross; 1,547 tons net. Built Detroit, Mich., 1890. Home port, Ogdensburg, N.Y. 240.0 x 42.0 x 23.4 Crew of 18. Of 800 indicated horsepower.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1903