QUITO U6768

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BALLENTINE, DAVID (1873, Propeller)

Wreck Name: QUITO
Type: Propeller Vessel
Date of Incident: 1902
Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 28.42′ N, 82° 10.12′ W (Co-located with SAINT LAWRENCE U22348)
Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)
Condition: Wrecked; vessel broken apart on the east pier, scattered across the lakebed

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The QUITO was a wooden propeller vessel built in Bangor, Michigan, in 1873. Originally designed for freight transport, the ship measured 204 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and 22 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 1394.96 tons and a net tonnage of 1206.17 tons. The vessel had two decks and three masts, reflecting its design as a robust cargo carrier.

Over its operational life, the QUITO underwent various modifications, including a significant rebuild at the Wolf & Davidson Yard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1890. During this rebuild, the ship was renamed QUITO, and its dimensions were slightly altered, maintaining its role as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1873, the QUITO served as a key player in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Throughout its career, the vessel encountered several significant incidents, including a grounding near Chicago in 1889 and an engine overhaul at an earlier stage. Ownership of the vessel changed hands multiple times, with James Corrigan of Cleveland eventually owning the QUITO.

The ship’s final voyage occurred in 1902 when it was carrying a cargo of 1700 tons of Escanaba ore bound for Cleveland, Ohio. During this journey, the vessel encountered a severe leak approximately 10 miles off the coast of Cleveland. Despite efforts to pump out the water, four feet of water accumulated in the hold, and the crew struggled to keep the ship afloat as they attempted to reach the safety of Lorain Harbor.

As the QUITO neared the harbor, the vessel’s steering mechanism failed, leaving Captain Cody with no choice but to try to sink the vessel inside the harbor to save the crew. Unfortunately, the ship missed the east pier by 100 feet and sank in 15 feet of water.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The sinking of the QUITO was a dramatic event, with the Cleveland lifesaving crew arriving by special train to rescue the stranded sailors. The rescue operation, witnessed by approximately 1500 spectators, was hailed as one of the most remarkable rescues on the Great Lakes. Despite the crew’s survival, the QUITO was a total loss, breaking apart on the new east pier and sinking in shallow water.

The ship’s remains are now scattered across the lakebed at a depth of 20 feet, co-located with the wreck of the SAINT LAWRENCE (U22348).

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when approaching the area due to the shallow depth and potential hazards from the scattered wreckage.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the QUITO was known immediately following the sinking in 1902. The site has been documented in historical records, with its coordinates noted for both the QUITO and the SAINT LAWRENCE.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the QUITO lies in 20 feet of water near Lorain, Ohio. The vessel is broken apart, with debris likely spread across the lakebed due to the impact with the pier and subsequent wave action. The shallow depth makes the site accessible to divers, although the scattered remains may present challenges for exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the QUITO in 1902 marked the end of a vessel that had served the Great Lakes for nearly three decades. The ship’s final moments, battling through a severe storm and ultimately breaking apart on the east pier of Lorain, underscore the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners during this period. The wreck, now co-located with the SAINT LAWRENCE, remains a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges of maritime transport on these vast inland seas.