The Wreck Today: The engine of the Minch was surprisingly intact, although the rest of the vessel burned to the waterline. Until 1996, the engine stood upright. An ore boat hit it in 1996 and knocked it askew. There is a huge boiler and firebox covered with lots of zebra mussels. Starboard of the stern is a capstan and tiller. Her winch sits on the port bow. This wreck is wrapped in gill nets and, while local divers have tied down most, caution is necessary to avoid becoming entangled in the nets.
Philip Minch
Additional information on the Philip Minch is on page 122 of Erie Wrecks West.
Location: 8 miles east of Middle Island
Coordinates: LORAN: 43741.9 57106.2
GPS: 41 41.304 82 30.808
Lies: bow northeast Depth: 47 feet
Type: propeller Cargo: light
Official #: 150427
Power: three cylinder steeple compound steam engine with two scotch boilers
Owner(s) Nicholas Transit Company, manager William Gerlach of Cleveland, Ohio
Built: 1888 at Cleveland, Ohio by William Radcliffe
Dimensions: 275’ x 40’8” x 22’ Tonnage: 2010 gross 1657 net
Date of Loss: Sunday, November 20, 1904
Cause of Loss: fire
Coordinates: LORAN: 43741.9 57106.2
GPS: 41 41.304 82 30.808
Lies: bow northeast Depth: 47 feet
Type: propeller Cargo: light
Official #: 150427
Power: three cylinder steeple compound steam engine with two scotch boilers
Owner(s) Nicholas Transit Company, manager William Gerlach of Cleveland, Ohio
Built: 1888 at Cleveland, Ohio by William Radcliffe
Dimensions: 275’ x 40’8” x 22’ Tonnage: 2010 gross 1657 net
Date of Loss: Sunday, November 20, 1904
Cause of Loss: fire
