• Launched: 1952 by Herbert Ranke's shipyard in Cranz‐Neuenfelde (Hamburg). It was a coastal freighter.

• 1963: sold to Otto Nagel of Liibeck

• 1968: sold to Heinz Georg VGge of Hechthausen

• 1976: sold to a Panamanian company

• Later: Sold to a Venezuelan shipping firm Distribudora Navieras del Caribe S.R.L

• Nov 23rd 1984: broke from her mooring during a storm and grounded at high tide on the posh beach front of Palm Beach. The freighter was carried inshore by 15-foot swells, crashing into the seawall of Mollie Wilmot’s home, nearly going into her pool. The freighter’s 12‐man crew weathered the stranding and safely stepped from the ship to dry land. Following the crew’s lead, the vessel’s owner also abandoned the ship.

• March 6, 1985: a salvage crew from Don Jon Marine Company, Incorporated managed to wrestle the Mercedes I off the beach during the month’s strong lunar high tide.

Name History:

• Jacob Ra'sch (1952)

• Rosita Maria (1963)

• Rita Vdge (1968)

• 1976: Mercedes I

Divesite:

Over the years, numerous storms have significantly impacted the once-intact Mercedes I. Large sections have collapsed, while portions of the hull have been ripped loose and are n o w found scattered in the sand. Regardless, the wreck of the Mercedes I still offers an interesting dive, and the wreck cluster comprising the jay Scutti, Tracy, and Merci Jesus can be found approximately 1,600 feet to the northwest.