On November 16, 1887, the propeller PACIFIC, owned by Cook & Wilson and with a capacity of 604 tons, went ashore on Lake Superior while carrying a cargo of lumber. The incident occurred about thirty miles west of White Fish Point. The vessel suffered considerable damage and was deemed a total loss. The property loss was estimated to be $22,000 for the hull and $9,000 for the cargo.
However, the captain of the PACIFIC reported that the vessel was still holding up, and there was no immediate fear of it breaking apart, as long as the weather conditions did not worsen. The propeller PACIFIC was insured for $15,000 in the Buffalo hull pool. The incident serves as an example of the risks and challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
