Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Alex. Nimick
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freight steamer
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: J. Davidson Shipyard, West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 298 ft (90.8 m); Beam 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,968 gross tons (approx. 1,785 metric tonnes)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 6.1 m / 20 ft
- Location: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Vermilion Point, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 106702
- Original Owners: Gilchrist Transportation Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Alex. Nimick was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freight steamer, commonly referred to as a “laker.” These vessels were designed to transport bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. The Nimick was among the larger wooden steamers of her time, reflecting the transitional period in shipbuilding from wood to steel hulls.
Description
Constructed in 1890 by the J. Davidson Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan, the Alex. Nimick measured 298 feet (90.8 metres) in length, with a beam of 40 feet (12.2 metres) and a depth of 20 feet (6.1 metres). With a gross tonnage of 1,968 (approx. 1,785 metric tonnes), she was built to serve the growing demand for bulk transportation on the Great Lakes. Her wooden hull was characteristic of the era, though steel-hulled vessels were becoming increasingly common.
History
On September 20, 1907, the Alex. Nimick sought shelter behind Whitefish Point during a developing gale on Lake Superior. Believing the worst of the storm had passed, she departed the following day, heading west toward Duluth with a cargo of coal. However, the weather deteriorated rapidly, and the vessel encountered heavy seas and shifting winds. Approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Vermilion Point, the Nimick began taking on water and was intentionally beached near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in an attempt to prevent sinking. Despite these efforts, the vessel broke apart in the surf. Of the 17 crew members aboard, six perished, while the remaining crew managed to reach shore.
Significant Incidents
- September 21, 1907: The Alex. Nimick sank during a gale on Lake Superior, resulting in the loss of six crew members.
Final Disposition
The Alex. Nimick was declared a total loss following the incident. Her remains are located near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in Lake Superior, an area known for numerous shipwrecks due to its treacherous waters and lack of natural harbors. The wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible to divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Alex. Nimick has been identified and is situated in 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 metres) of water near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in Lake Superior.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Alex. Nimick in September 1907 highlights the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners during the early 20th century. Despite seeking shelter, the decision to venture out into Lake Superior during a gale proved fatal for six crew members. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the region’s maritime history and serves as a site of interest for divers and historians alike.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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