BALLENTINE, DAVID (1873, Propeller)
- Propeller
- 20ffw
- 204ft Length
- Lorian OH, Lake Erie
- 41 28. 42 82 10. 12
Co-Located with SAINT LAWRENCE U22348
The vessel QUITO suffered a tragic fate when it broke apart on the new east pier overnight, resulting in a complete loss. It was carrying a cargo of 1700 tons of Escanaba ore, destined for Cleveland. The ship encountered a leak when it was 10 miles off the coast of Cleveland, causing four feet of water to accumulate in its hold. In an attempt to reach the safety of Lorain Harbor, the vessel battled through 25 miles of rolling seas. Captain Cody felt the QUITO sinking beneath him as he approached the harbor.
The ship’s steering mechanism failed, and Captain Cody’s only hope was to sink the vessel inside the harbor to save the crew. However, the QUITO missed the east pier by 100 feet and ultimately sank in 15 feet of water. The dramatic rescue mission conducted by the Cleveland lifesavers, who arrived promptly by a special train, attracted the attention of around 1500 spectators. The lifesaving service’s swift and daring efforts in rescuing the half-drowned sailors from the QUITO were hailed as one of the most remarkable recent rescues on the Great Lakes. Within 30 minutes of launching their surf boat, the crew was brought ashore and provided warmth near the fires at the B. & O. dock office.
The QUITO was a propeller vessel that was built in Bangor, Michigan, in 1873. It was owned by James Corrigan of Cleveland. With wooden construction, the ship measured 204 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and 22 feet in hold.
Over the years, the ownership of the QUITO changed hands multiple times, and it underwent various modifications and rebuilds. In 1890, it was renamed QUITO after being rebuilt at the Wolf & Davidson Yard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The vessel had two decks, three masts, and its dimensions were altered to 204′ x 36.2′ x 21.7′. Its tonnage increased to 1394.96 gross tons and 1206.17 net tons.
The ship’s documented history includes instances of striking a lime kiln and sinking in 1873, changing ownership, undergoing engine overhaul, and getting stranded off Chicago in 1889. In 1902, the QUITO met its final misfortune when it ran aground in Lorain, Ohio. By January 30, 1903, the ship’s documents were surrendered in Cleveland.
Please note that the provided information is limited, and further details about the vessel’s history may be available from additional sources.
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