IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The EMMA L. NIELSEN was a wooden schooner, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooners like the EMMA L. NIELSEN were primarily employed in transporting cargo across the lakes, taking advantage of their shallow draft and large sail area. The vessel’s modest size and tonnage made it suitable for smaller cargoes and shorter voyages along the lakes’ coasts.
HISTORY #
The EMMA L. NIELSEN was constructed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1883, reflecting the region’s strong shipbuilding tradition during that era. The schooner served for nearly three decades, transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
On June 26, 1911, the EMMA L. NIELSEN was involved in a collision with the propeller WYANDOTTE at Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, a perilous location known for shipwrecks due to its shallow waters and strong currents. The collision resulted in the schooner being declared a total loss. Despite the severe damage, there were no fatalities, and the three people on board were successfully rescued. The incident marked the end of the EMMA L. NIELSEN’s service on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The EMMA L. NIELSEN was declared a total loss after its collision with the WYANDOTTE. The exact location of the wreck has not been widely documented, and it remains a part of the numerous shipwrecks that litter the Great Lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Location: Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan
- Date of Incident: June 26, 1911
- Rescue Operations: All three crew members were rescued with no loss of life.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Obstruction: There are no current advisories specifically marking the wreck of the EMMA L. NIELSEN on navigational charts, as the wreck site is not widely noted.
- Advisories: Mariners should exercise caution when navigating the Pointe Aux Barques area due to the historical presence of shipwrecks and hazardous conditions.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Primary Sources:
- Additional Reading:
- 3DShipwrecks.org (No specific listing for EMMA L. NIELSEN found)
- Visual References:
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the EMMA L. NIELSEN near Pointe Aux Barques is a testament to the dangers of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, particularly in regions known for hazardous conditions. While the schooner served diligently for nearly 30 years, its unfortunate collision with the WYANDOTTE marked its end. The survival of the crew underscores the importance of safety measures and the resilience of sailors on the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
- Emma L. Nielsen, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Pointe Aux Barques, Lake Huron Shipwreck, Maritime History, Schooner Collision, 1911 Shipwreck, Great Lakes Navigation.
