MECOSTA U91983

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: MECOSTA
Type: Bulk Propeller (later converted to a barge)
Date of Incident: October 29, 1922
Location: North Bay Village, Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio
Coordinates: 41° 31.850′ N, 81° 53.001′ W
Depth: 50 feet (15 meters)
Condition: The wreck remains largely intact on the lakebed, with significant structural damage from its sinking and subsequent conversion to a barge.

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The MECOSTA was originally constructed as a wooden bulk propeller ship in 1888. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 1,776 tons and a net tonnage of 1,418 tons. The dimensions of the MECOSTA were 281.7 feet in length, 40.6 feet in beam, and 20 feet in depth. The ship was built to serve the busy trade routes of the Great Lakes, primarily transporting ore and grain.

The vessel underwent several modifications throughout its service life, including a conversion to a screw steamer in 1896, which included the addition of two masts. In 1922, just before its sinking, the MECOSTA was converted to a barge, with its engine and boiler removed in Lorain, Ohio.

HISTORY #

The MECOSTA had a varied and eventful service history:

March 10, 1888: The MECOSTA was launched as a bulk propeller ship and soon began service in the Duluth ore and grain trade. It was enrolled in Detroit on April 20, 1888.
1890: Ownership transferred to the Whitney Transportation Company, based in Hamtramck, Michigan. The vessel continued to operate on the Great Lakes, towing other ships like the ASHLAND in 1894.
March 19, 1896: The MECOSTA was converted to a screw steamer with two masts, enhancing its operational capabilities.
May 13, 1898: The vessel experienced a collision with the steamer OLYMPIA in Port Huron, Michigan, which resulted in damage.
June 7, 1901: Ownership changed hands again, this time to the Gilchrist Transportation Company in Vermillion, Ohio. Later, on March 1, 1916, it was owned by the General Transit Company in Mentor, Ohio.
October 29, 1922: The MECOSTA foundered near Cleveland, Ohio, after being converted to a barge. The vessel was a total loss, but there were no fatalities among the four crew members on board.

The MECOSTA was officially listed as a lost American vessel in 1923.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The MECOSTA lies at the bottom of Lake Erie, near North Bay Village, at a depth of 50 feet. The vessel was reduced to a barge shortly before its sinking, with significant components like the engine and boiler removed. The wreck remains largely intact but shows signs of damage from its conversion and sinking.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, mariners and divers should be aware of the site’s location to avoid potential hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the MECOSTA was identified based on its dimensions, historical records, and the coordinates provided. It is well-documented in shipwreck databases and is a known site for local divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The MECOSTA rests in 50 feet of water, making it accessible to divers of varying experience levels. The wreck is in a moderate state of preservation, with the barge’s structure largely intact but with notable damage from its final years and sinking. The wreck offers a glimpse into the transition from powered vessels to barges on the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

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

CONCLUSION #

The MECOSTA represents a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. From its beginnings as a bulk propeller ship to its final days as a barge, the vessel served the industrial demands of the region for over three decades. The wreck site near North Bay Village is a valuable historical artifact, offering insights into the maritime heritage of Lake Erie and the evolution of ship design and usage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.