IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The EMMA L. NEILSEN was a schooner—a type of sailing vessel with multiple masts that was commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooners like the EMMA L. NEILSEN were valued for their cargo capacity and versatility, often transporting bulk goods across the expansive waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel was built in 1883 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and had a gross tonnage of 90 tons. Her sturdy wooden hull and sails had seen her through many voyages, but even such a reliable ship could not withstand the full fury of a Lake Huron storm.
HISTORY #
The EMMA L. NEILSEN had a solid reputation as a dependable vessel on the Great Lakes. Built in 1883, the schooner was designed to weather the challenges of Great Lakes navigation, from summer squalls to winter ice. For over two decades, she served faithfully, transporting goods and passengers across Lake Huron and beyond.
However, on October 20, 1905, her luck ran out. That day, the weather took a turn for the worse as a fierce northeast gale swept across Lake Huron. The storm was relentless, with powerful winds and high waves that made it nearly impossible for vessels to stay on course. The EMMA L. NEILSEN, despite being anchored, began to drift helplessly towards Middle Island, located in Lake Huron, as the storm raged on.
As the schooner neared the island, the crew fought to maintain control, but the elements were too powerful. The ship grounded on a point near Middle Island, about sixteen miles northwest of the nearest lifesaving station. Despite the best efforts of her crew and the rescuers who rushed to the scene, the vessel remained stranded.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The EMMA L. NEILSEN was eventually freed from her grounding after the storm subsided. The crew and rescuers worked together to lighten the ship’s load, preserving the valuable cargo she carried. The schooner was then towed to a drydock for necessary repairs. While the EMMA L. NEILSEN survived this ordeal, many other vessels caught in the same storm were not as fortunate. The incident underscored the perilous nature of navigating the Great Lakes, especially during the unpredictable autumn months.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the EMMA L. NEILSEN. The site is of historical interest, and divers and historians should approach with respect for the wreck and its significance.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact coordinates of the EMMA L. NEILSEN’s stranding near Middle Island in Lake Huron are not widely published, but the incident was well-documented in reports from the time. The ship was located by the lifesaving crew after being driven ashore during the storm on October 20, 1905.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- NOAA Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Virtual Museum of Canada – The Swisha Project
CONCLUSION #
The story of the EMMA L. NEILSEN is a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Despite the crew’s best efforts and the bravery of the rescuers, the schooner could not withstand the ferocity of the storm that struck Lake Huron on October 20, 1905. While the vessel was eventually salvaged, the incident is part of the broader narrative of the perils of maritime life on the Great Lakes. The EMMA L. NEILSEN’s legacy serves as a tribute to the resilience and determination of those who sailed these vast and unpredictable waters.
KEYWORDS #
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