Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Elsie Nell
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven fishing tug
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder: Peach Brothers, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 62 ft (18.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 41 gross tons / 28 net tons
- Location: Pigeon Cove near Drummond Island
- Official Number: 136927
- Original Owners: William Miller, Bayfield, Wisconsin; homeported out of Duluth
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven fishing tug.
Description
Description
The Elsie Nell was a wooden fishing tug built in 1901, measuring 62 feet in length and 16 feet in beam. It was registered at 41 gross tons and 28 net tons.
History
History
Owned by William Miller and homeported out of Duluth, the Elsie Nell served in the fishing industry until its loss in 1935.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- August 27, 1935: Caught fire while docked in Pigeon Cove, Lake Huron, leading to its total loss.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The hull was destroyed in situ and sank; no records exist of salvage or re-entry into service. The registry was canceled following the loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck remains submerged, and its current condition is unknown. Further investigation may reveal if any remnants are visible.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”elsie-nell-us-135927″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The wooden fishing tug Elsie Nell, built in 1901 and owned by William Miller, burned and sank in Pigeon Cove off Drummond Island on August 27, 1935. Though no one was hurt, the vessel was burned to the waterline and declared a total loss. Further primary source research could reveal crew identities, fire cause, and physical remnants of the wreck.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: Elsie Nell
- Official Number: 136927
- Built: 1901 by Peach Brothers, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven fishing tug
- Specifications: 62 ft length × 16 ft beam × 8 ft depth; 41 gross tons / 28 net tons
- Owner: William Miller, Bayfield, Wisconsin; vessel homeported out of Duluth
Final Incident – August 27, 1935 (Pigeon Cove, Lake Huron)
- Date & Location: August 27, 1935, in Pigeon Cove near Drummond Island, Lake Huron
- Cause of Loss: Caught fire while docked—rapid flame engulfed the wooden structure
- Outcome: Burned to the waterline and declared a total (constructive) loss
- Casualties: None reported; crew escaped unharmed (manitouislandsarchives.org, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Disposition & Aftermath
- The hull was destroyed in situ and sank; no records exist of salvage or re-entry into service
- The registry was canceled following the loss
Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“N” list) detailing vessel specs, loss location, fire incident, and ownership (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, manitouislandsarchives.org)
Archival Gaps & Research Recommendations
- Fire Origin & Response: Local newspapers (Bayfield County Press, St. Ignace News) from August–September 1935 may describe the fire’s ignition source and firefighting efforts.
- Crew Details: No casualties are noted, but crew names and statements may appear in Duluth or Bayfield port logs.
- Wreck Remains: Investigate whether wreckage was removed or remains visible—possible dive reports from Drummond Island area archives.
- Insurance Records: Marine insurance policy documentation may outline financial impact and decision to abandon the vessel.
Summary
The wooden fishing tug Elsie Nell, built in 1901 and owned by William Miller, Burned and sank in Pigeon Cove off Drummond Island on August 27, 1935. Though no one was hurt, the vessel was burned to the waterline and declared a total loss. Further primary source research could reveal crew identities, fire cause, and physical remnants of the wreck.
elsie-nell-us-135927 1935-08-27 09:17:00