Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: EMMA L. NIELSEN
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 98.2 ft (29.9 m); Beam: 20.6 ft; Depth of hold: 6.2 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 90 tons
- Location: Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan
- Official Number: 135665
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
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.
Description
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.
History
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.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with WYANDOTTE: On June 26, 1911, the EMMA L. NIELSEN collided with the steamer WYANDOTTE near Pointe Aux Barques, resulting in total loss of the vessel.
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.
Current Condition & Accessibility
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.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”emma-l-nielsen-us-135665″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →