Shipwreck Report: Emma Nielsen

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Emma Nielsen
• Registry: U.S.
• Vessel Type: Three-Masted Schooner
• Year Built: 1883
• Place Built: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Year Sank: 1911
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions
• Length: Not documented
• Width: Not documented
• Depth: Not documented

Vessel History

The Emma Nielsen was a wooden three-masted Schooner launched in 1883 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Designed for cargo transport, vessels like the Emma Nielsen were essential to Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1911, the Emma Nielsen sank near Port Austin, Michigan, after a tragic collision with the Steamship Wyandotte during heavy fog. The Schooner struck the side of the Wyandotte, causing catastrophic damage to its bow. The crew quickly Abandoned ship and escaped to safety using a Yawl boat.

Wreck Site Information

• • Lake: Lake Huron
• • State/Province: Michigan
• • Depth: 190 ft (57.91 m)
• • GPS Coordinates: Not disclosed

3D Model – Emma Nielsen

Shipwreck Emma Nielson by BeckyKaganSchott on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the Emma Nielsen lies on the lakebed at 190 ft, preserved in remarkable detail due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron:

• Hull and Bow:

• The bow is cracked open from the collision, with the damage still clearly visible.

• The wooden Hull remains largely intact.

• Artifacts and Features:

• Wooden Wheel: Still in place, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

• Anchor: Lies near the bow on the lakebed.

• Masts:

• All three masts are down but remain near the wreck.

• One mast is suspended off the wreck, with the crow’s nest still attached.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At 190 ft (57.91 m), the wreck is accessible only to technical divers trained in deep decompression diving.

• Dive Equipment Used:

• Rebreathers: To extend bottom time and reduce gas requirements.

• Trimix 14/55: A mix of oxygen, helium, and nitrogen optimized for deep dives.

• Bottom Time: Approximately 30 minutes of exploration, requiring 55 minutes of decompression.

• Visibility: Lake Huron’s clear waters provide excellent Visibility, enhancing the site’s appeal for underwater photography.

Significance

The Emma Nielsen wreck offers a vivid glimpse into the dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes. Its preserved artifacts, including the wooden wheel and anchor, along with the dramatic evidence of its collision, provide a tangible connection to its tragic story.

The suspended mast with its crow’s nest remains a unique feature, making the Emma Nielsen a compelling site for technical divers and maritime historians. The combination of its depth, intact structure, and historical significance makes it one of Lake Huron’s most fascinating wrecks.

Keywords:

Emma Nielsen shipwreck, Lake Huron schooners, three-masted Schooner, Great Lakes maritime history, technical diving, deep wreck dives.