Alfred Morrill (Fish tug), leak, 8 Dec 1886

PERILOUS TRIP OF THE STEAMER " ALFRED MORRILL"
      The steamer ALFRED MORRILL left this port last Wednesday with a load of freight for Parry Sound. She lay there until Saturday morning waiting for the storm to subside, when she, started on her return trip. Besides the crew there were on board Mr.Fair, wife, sister and child, of Toronto. Mr. Newton, of Collingwood, and Mr. J. H. Meir of this town.
After passing Killbear Point, heavy ice was encountered, but the fine little steamer ploughed her way through for six or seven miles. Capt.Chapman then concluded that he would return and take the more northernly channel, thinking it would be freer of ice. In this he was dissapointed, as the MORRILL had to cut her way, mile
after mile through ice from 5 to 4 inches thick. After reaching an open space, it was found that the ice had cut through the heavy planking of the bow of the boat and that she was rapidly making water.
      All hands then went vigorously to work to remove the cargo to the stern of the boat for the purpose of raising the leaks of the bow above water level.The water gained too fast however, and her head was immediately put for a small island. Her bow was run up on shore when the damage to her sides was plainly visible. After
four hours work the holes were successfully stopped and the steamer again started on her trip. Fortunately the ice from this point was thinner and numerous open spaces allowed a passage without cutting through it. The greatest danger to be apprehended were the numerous shoals as the steamer was far out of the regular channel, it being impossible to run the boat in it from the strength of the ice, and the already damaged condition of the boat. Capt.Chapman kept a sharp lookout, however, and with the steamer well under check
she gradually worked her way through the miles of ice until the open lake was reached. The boat reached here at nine 9 o'clock in the evening. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Capt. Chapman and crew for their cool and admirable conduct under the trying circumstances in which their staunch little steamer was placed...
      Meaford Monitor
      Friday, December 10, 1886