Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: Wocoken

•Vessel Type: Steam Screw (Wooden Propeller)

•Build Date: 1870

•Builder: Cleveland, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 251.6 feet (76.7 meters)

•Beam: 37.2 feet (11.3 meters)

•Depth: 18.5 feet (5.6 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 1,400.37 tons

•Net: 1,179.10 tons

•horsepower: 1,261 nominal horsepower

•Final Location: 10 miles off Long Point, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth at Wreck Site: 50 feet (17 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Wocoken was a Steam Screw Vessel, commonly referred to as a wooden propeller, a type that dominated Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century. These vessels were powered by steam engines driving a single screw propeller, making them faster and more maneuverable than wind-reliant sailing ships. The Wocoken was designed for durability and efficiency, capable of withstanding the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes while transporting goods and passengers.

History

Built in 1870 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Wocoken served primarily as a cargo transporter, navigating all the Great Lakes over its 23-year career. Like many ships of its time, it faced numerous challenges, including damage from gales, ice, and collisions, necessitating significant repairs during its service life. Despite these setbacks, it proved to be a reliable vessel for its owners.

Its final voyage began in October 1893, when it departed for another routine journey across Lake Erie. On October 14, a severe storm near Long Point overwhelmed the vessel, causing it to founder. The storm claimed the lives of several crew members, including Captain Meswald and his wife. Bodies were recovered in the days and weeks following the disaster, including those of Wilhelm Pocek and Edmund C. Eldridge, underscoring the human toll of this tragedy.

Final Disposition

The Wocoken sank on October 14, 1893, in Lake Erie. By September 1, 1894, the vessel’s engines and boilers were salvaged, leaving the remaining wreck on the lakebed. The enrollment was surrendered in Cleveland on November 11, 1893, officially marking the end of its service.

Located By & Date

The bodies of Captain Meswald and crew member Wilhelm Pocek were recovered three days after the sinking, approximately 10 miles from Long Point. Edmund C. Eldridge’s body was found on November 24, 1893, near Austin Street.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Wocoken wreck have been noted. The site, though historically significant, is not considered a current navigational hazard.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Vessel History (Contact local archives or historical societies for detailed records)

Keywords

Wocoken, Great Lakes shipwreck, Steam Screw Vessel, wooden propeller, Lake Erie shipwreck, Long Point, 1893 maritime disaster, Cleveland Ohio, Great Lakes shipping history, Captain Meswald.

Conclusion

The Wocoken‘s sinking in 1893 is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Despite its robust design and multiple repairs, the vessel succumbed to a powerful storm, marking the end of its storied career. The tragic loss of life and subsequent recovery of the victims’ bodies highlight the harsh realities of maritime disasters of the era. Today, the wreck lies in 50 feet of water, serving as both a memorial and a historical artifact of Great Lakes shipping.