IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: EMMA L. NIELSEN

•Type: Schooner

•Registry: United States

•Official Number: 135665

•Built: 1883, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

•Dimensions:

•Length: 98.2 feet

•Beam: 20.6 feet

•Depth: 6.2 feet

•Gross Tonnage: 90 tons

•Net Tonnage: 85 tons

•Location: Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron

•Date of Incident: June 26, 1911

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The EMMA L. NIELSEN was a small wooden Schooner, a type widely employed on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Schooners were efficient vessels for cargo transport, using their broad sails to traverse the lakes’ vast expanses. The EMMA L. NIELSEN, built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was a reflection of the era’s shipbuilding excellence, specifically designed to navigate the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Constructed in 1883, the EMMA L. NIELSEN had a storied career spanning nearly 30 years. It carried goods across the Great Lakes, vital to the region’s trade and economy.

The Collision

On June 26, 1911, while navigating near Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, the Schooner collided with the Steamer WYANDOTTE. Pointe Aux Barques, infamous for its hazardous shallows and strong currents, has long been a maritime danger zone. The collision rendered the Schooner irreparably damaged.

The Schooner was declared a Total Loss, marking the end of its service. Fortunately, all three crew members aboard were rescued without injury, a testament to their quick action and the assistance available in the region.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Incident Outcome: Declared a Total Loss after the collision with the WYANDOTTE.

•Location: Near Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron.

•Current Status: The wreck’s precise location remains undocumented in modern databases, and it is not actively marked or noted on navigational charts.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Obstruction: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) marking the wreck. However, Pointe Aux Barques remains a navigational challenge due to submerged hazards and wrecks.

•Advisories: Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting this historically hazardous area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Rescue Operations: The Schooner’s crew of three survived the incident, rescued safely despite the severe damage to the vessel.

•Wreck Location: Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan. Precise coordinates of the wreck are unavailable.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Maritime History Database

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•3DShipwrecks.org (No specific entry for EMMA L. NIELSEN).

CONCLUSION

The story of the EMMA L. NIELSEN highlights the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. From its construction in 1883 to its collision in 1911, the Schooner served as a vital link in the region’s transportation network. While the ship itself was lost, the successful rescue of its crew emphasizes the resilience and courage of Great Lakes mariners.

KEYWORDS

#EmmaLNielsen #GreatLakesShipwreck #PointeAuxBarques #LakeHuronShipwreck #SchoonerHistory #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #Shipwreck1911 #SchoonerCollision