Noquebay (Barge), collision, 8 Aug 1878

A SERIOUS COLLISION.
      The Chicago Times of Saturday says: About 12 o'clock Thursday night the most serious collision that has taken place in this harbor for some time, occurred just inside the mouth of the river. At the time the Peshtigo barges NOQUE BAY and ADVANCE were lying at the Peshtigo Company's dock on the north side of the river, preparing to leave early on yesterday morning. While they were engaged in winding the large propeller DEAN RICHMOND steamed into the river, and was proceeding on her way up, when Capt. Tyrell, of the tug TORRENT, cried out to Capt. Pratt that there was a jam ahead and for him to slack up. The signal to slow up was given, but the boat seemed to go ahead at the same rate of speed. At the time Capt. Tyrell gave her the word the RICHMOND was half a dozen length away from the barges, but she went on her way, and brought up against them with terrible force. How much will be required to repair the damage it would be difficult to state, but the injury to both will not fall short of $2,000. The NOQUE BAY is damaged most seriously. She was struck on the starboard bow and sixteen planks crushed in. The stern of the ADVANCE was struck, and her rail, bulwarks, stanchions and upper works were carried away clear to the main rigging. The exact cause of the disaster is difficult to arrive at, from the numerous stories told. It is claimed by one side that it was the result of carelessness on the part of the captain of the RICHMOND, and by the other that the barges were out of place and were not seen until too late to stop the propeller.
      Detroit Free Press
      Sunday, August 11, 1878