In 1917, the loss of several American vessels was reported. One such vessel was the FILER, a schooner barge with a U.S. number 35311. Built in 1871 and weighing 357 tons gross, the vessel foundered on October 20, 1916, approximately three miles east of the Bar Point Light in the Detroit River, Michigan. Tragically, six out of the seven people aboard lost their lives in the incident, and the FILER was declared a total loss.
Efforts were made to recover the valuable cargo from the sunken barge FILER. Captain Trotter of the Trotter Towing & Wrecking Company announced plans to salvage the coal cargo once the salvaging of the steamer TOPEKA in the Detroit River was completed. However, the operation was briefly interrupted when the steamer SAMUEL MATHER collided with the wrecking outfit in a fog. Despite this setback, Captain Trotter expected to resume the salvage work soon.
Providing historical context, the Schooner D.L. FILER had a long history dating back to its construction in Manistee, Michigan, in 1871. With a home port in Chicago, Illinois, the vessel had dimensions of 156.6 x 30.0 x 10.0 feet and weighed 357 tons gross and 339 tons net. Over the years, the ownership of the FILER changed hands multiple times, serving various companies and engaging in different trade routes.
However, the vessel faced its share of challenges. In 1898, the FILER became waterlogged off Racine, Wisconsin, and the crew was rescued by the lifesaving service. The barge was subsequently raised and converted for further use. It was towed by the OSCODA alongside the IDA CORNING in 1900.
By 1915, ownership of the FILER transferred to Oscar E. Parks, who acted as the agent for the Hamilton Transportation Co. Unfortunately, on October 19, 1916, the FILER met its ultimate fate when it was wrecked in Lake Erie. The specific circumstances surrounding the incident were not detailed in the available information, but the loss of the vessel marked another significant event in its storied history.
