Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Nelson
- Registry: United States
- Official Number: 18173
- Vessel Type: Schooner Barge; Brigantine
- Year Built: 1866
- Year Sank: 1899
- Hull Material: Wood
- Engines: None
- Dimensions:
- Length: 199 ft (60.7 m)
- Width: 34 ft (10.4 m)
- Depth: 14 ft (4.3 m)
Vessel Type
The Nelson was a wooden Schooner Barge with Brigantine rigging, a versatile vessel used primarily for transporting bulk goods. Often towed by steamers, Schooner barges like the Nelson were integral to the maritime commerce of the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1866, the Nelson was designed to carry bulk cargo efficiently across the Great Lakes. On October 13, 1899, the vessel sank in a storm on Lake Superior while transporting a load of coal. Despite the harsh conditions, all crew members aboard were rescued by the Tug S. H. Foster, making the incident notable for its lack of fatalities.
The vessel’s loss was attributed to its inability to withstand the rough weather, a common vulnerability for aging Schooner barges subjected to the extreme conditions of the Great Lakes.
Final Dispositions
The wreck of the Nelson lies at a depth of 230 ft (70 m) in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• The ship sits upright on the lakebed, with the Hull in remarkably intact condition.
• The bow and Forecastle Deck are broken off but are present near the wreck site.
• The coal cargo remains visible in the holds, offering a snapshot of its final voyage.
• The wreck features a wealth of artifacts and machinery, including:
• Two wooden stock anchors
• Manual and steam Bilge pumps
• Three capstans, a Windlass, and a Deck winch
• Donkey boiler
• Broken masts, booms, and gaffs
• Ship’s wheel, steering box, and rudder
• Boom cradle, boom tables, Centerboard winch, and catheads
• Personal artifacts, such as a stove, highlight the daily life aboard the ship.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck is part of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum’s underwater research efforts. Its precise location remains undisclosed to protect it from unauthorized exploration and looting. The site is monitored for its historical significance and is a subject of continued archaeological interest.
NOTMARs & Advisories
At a depth of 230 ft, the Nelson requires advanced technical diving skills and equipment. The cold, clear waters of Lake Superior contribute to the site’s exceptional preservation but also demand divers be well-prepared for deep and potentially hazardous conditions. Divers must adhere to regulations protecting the wreck as an underwater cultural resource.
Resources & Links
3D Model – Nelson
Nelson by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Nelson, Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Schooner Barge, Maritime Archaeology, Coal Cargo
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Technical Diving Sites
Glossary: Forecastle Deck, Capstan, Donkey Boiler, Catheads, Brigantine, Centerboard Winch
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