IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Wocoken was a steam screw vessel, often referred to as a wooden propeller. These vessels were common on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, providing reliable and efficient transportation of goods and passengers. The Wocokenwas a robustly constructed vessel designed to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes, powered by a steam engine that drove a single screw propeller. Steam screw vessels were favored for their ability to operate independently of the wind, offering greater control and speed.
HISTORY #
The Wocoken was built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1870 and served various purposes throughout its operational life, primarily transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. It experienced numerous incidents that required significant repairs, indicating the harsh conditions faced by vessels of this era. Notably, the ship underwent substantial repairs following damage from gales on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and ice damage in Lake Huron.
Despite these repairs, the Wocoken remained a reliable vessel until its tragic final voyage in October 1893. On October 14, 1893, while navigating Lake Erie, the vessel foundered in a storm near Long Point, leading to the loss of several crew members, including Captain Meswald and his wife. The bodies of some victims were recovered days and even weeks later, highlighting the tragedy that befell the crew.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Wocoken sank in Lake Erie on October 14, 1893, during a violent storm. The vessel’s enrollment was surrendered in Cleveland on November 11, 1893, marking the official end of its service. By September 1, 1894, the engines and boilers had been removed from the wreck, likely during salvage operations.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The bodies of Captain Meswald and a crew member, Wilhelm Pocek, were recovered three days after the sinking, found 10 miles off Long Point. Another crew member’s body, identified as Edmund C. Eldridge, was discovered on November 24, 1893, at the foot of Austin Street.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Wocoken wreck are mentioned. The site remains a known historical wreck, though it may not pose a significant navigational hazard today.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
- Great Lakes Vessel History: Link
- YouTube Video (if available): Link
- Historical Newspaper Archives: Research may provide additional context and details about the Wocoken and its final voyage.
CONCLUSION #
The Wocoken‘s sinking in 1893 is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners during the late 19th century. Despite its robust construction and multiple repairs, the vessel could not withstand the forces of nature on its final voyage. The tragic loss of life, particularly the recovery of the crew members’ bodies weeks after the sinking, underscores the harsh realities of maritime life during this era.
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.
