Nellie Torrent – Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: None
• Official No.: 130206
• Type at Loss: Propeller, Wood, Bulk Freight
• Build Info: 1881, Detroit Dry Dock, Wyandotte, MI (Hull #52)
• • Specs:
• • Length: 141 feet (43.0 meters)
• • Beam: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
• • Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
• • Gross Tonnage: 303 tons (274.6 metric tonnes)
• • Net Tonnage: 277 tons (251.5 metric tonnes)
• • Date of Loss: June 22, 1899
• • Place of Loss: Abreast of Pointe Au Frame, near Detour, Michigan
• • Lake: Huron
• • Type of Loss: Fire
• • Loss of Life: None
• • Carrying: Lumber

History and Description

The NELLIE TORRENT was a wooden propeller built in 1881 at the Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan. The vessel was constructed with a focus on bulk freight transportation, primarily carrying lumber during her operational years. Initially, she was used as a Barge during her first season, before being fitted with an engine in September 1882 at Milwaukee, transforming her into a self-propelled vessel. The ship’s specifications were relatively modest for its era, with a length of 141 feet and a Gross Tonnage of 303 tons. Her design and size made her well-suited for the transportation of bulk materials, and she operated primarily on Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The NELLIE TORRENT met her end on June 22, 1899, when she caught fire while downbound from Lake Superior. The fire started in her hold and rapidly consumed the vessel. Despite efforts to save her, the fire led to the total destruction of the vessel.

In a desperate attempt to save her, the NELLIE TORRENT was beached near Lime Island. The fire rendered her unseaworthy, and she was Abandoned. The fire likely spread quickly due to the lumber cargo she was carrying, as well as the fact that much of the ship’s structure was made of wood. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.

The vessel was owned by G. W. Jackson, based in Bay City, Michigan, at the time of the incident.

Sources & References

• Great Lakes Maritime Database (MV)

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes (Atl)

• Polk, Shipping and Local History Records

• Shipwreck Data Resources (NSP, SLH, PHR)

Conclusion

The NELLIE TORRENT’s destruction highlights the significant dangers faced by wooden vessels in the late 19th century, particularly when carrying combustible cargo like lumber. While her loss did not result in fatalities, it underscored the vulnerability of ships operating on the Great Lakes during this time period. Despite being beached and Abandoned, the fire ultimately led to the Total Loss of the vessel. Her case is another reminder of how quickly a fire can devastate a ship, especially in the confined spaces of a bulk freighter.