Magna (Barge), U92740, collision, 7 Oct 1903

As a result of the sinking of the propeller JOHN N. GLIDDEN by the barge MAGNA in St. Clair Flats Canal, navigation in the Detroit River was practically put to an end. The propeller sunk to her decks diagonally across the channel in the canal at the Lake St. Clair end. A channel 75 feet wide remains between the stem of the boat and the east pier, but the current is so strong as to make it perilous for vessels to try to make the passage and from present indications navigation will be tied up for at least a week. When the accident occurred the GLIDDEN was bound down the canal with a cargo of iron ore. The steel trust propeller EMPIRE CITY was steaming swiftly up the canal with the barge MAGNA in tow. In passing the GLIDDEN the suction of the EMPIRE CITY drew the GLIDDEN into the tow line and the barge crashed into it, splitting it open to the pilot house. The GLIDDEN went to the bottom instantly. Assistance was immediately sent to the scene of the blockage and tugs have been ordered to assist vessels in passing the wreck. A large fleet of vessels has already accumulated on both sides of the obstruction waiting to pass.
      Buffalo Evening News
      Saturday, October 10, 1903
     

Schooner MAGNA. U. S. No. 92740. Of 3259 tons gross; 3124 tons net. Built Chicago, Ill., 1896. Home port, Ashtabula, Ohio. 352.0 x 44.0 x 26.0 Owned by the Minnesota Steam Ship Compant. Built of steel.
      Great Lakes Register, 1900