According to reports from the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser in November 1874, the schooner S.S. Osborne encountered difficulties and ended up ashore near Gravely Bay. The tug Compound, equipped with wrecking appliances, was dispatched to assist the stranded vessel. However, in subsequent updates, it was mentioned that the situation worsened.
An expedition from Detroit was sent with a lighter and steam pumps to work on the Osborne, which was located two miles east of Port Colborne. They began their operations, but the condition of the schooner seemed to deteriorate. Several wreckers evaluated the situation but declined to take on the job. Captain Grummond attempted to salvage the vessel but eventually gave up. The Osborne, laden with ore, was expected to be a total loss.
The schooner Osborne was valued at $35,000 and had insurance coverage amounting to $30,000. It was owned by Mr. Wilcox of Painesville, Ohio. A special dispatch from Port Colborne reported that the Osborne had broken apart, with a significant portion of the wreckage washing ashore.
