Walla Walla Statesman

Collision. -During the trip of the Ajax to Astoria, Saturday morning, she collided with the Shoo Fly, which had in tow the bark Dawn, en route for Portland. The accident occurred a short distance below the mouth of the Willamette, in consequence of the dense fog which prevailed at the time. The approaching steamer was descried approaching through the gloom, but not sufficiently soon to prevent the collision. The usual warnings were sounded from both vessels and the necessary precaution taken to lessen the danger and the engines of the steamers reversed, but without avail as the Ajax struck the Shoo Fly on the port bow, bursting through the hull. The disabled boat was taken in tow by the steamship and beached when she immediately sunk. The Dawn was taken in tow by the Vancouver. No lives were lost and the Captains are held entirely blameless, when the circumstances are considered-Astoria.