Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Emma Nielsen
- Type: Three-Masted Schooner
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: Not documented; Width: Not documented; Depth: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 57.91 m / 190 ft
- Location: Near Port Austin, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not disclosed
- Number of Masts: Three masts, all down
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Emma Nielsen was a wooden three-masted schooner designed for cargo transport, playing a vital role in Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Description
The wreck of the Emma Nielsen lies on the lakebed at 190 ft, preserved in remarkable detail due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron:
- Hull and Bow: The bow is cracked open from the collision, with the damage still clearly visible. The wooden hull remains largely intact.
- Artifacts and Features: The wooden wheel is still in place, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. An anchor lies near the bow on the lakebed. All three masts are down but remain near the wreck, with one mast suspended off the wreck, still attached to the crow’s nest.
History
The Emma Nielsen was launched in 1883 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In 1911, it sank near Port Austin, Michigan, after a collision with the steamship Wyandotte during heavy fog. The schooner struck the side of the Wyandotte, causing catastrophic damage to its bow. The crew quickly abandoned ship and escaped to safety using a yawl boat.
Significant Incidents
- 1911: The Emma Nielsen sank after a collision with the steamship Wyandotte in heavy fog.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Emma Nielsen remains on the lakebed, providing a significant historical site for divers and maritime historians.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible only to technical divers trained in deep decompression diving. At 190 ft (57.91 m), divers should use rebreathers and trimix gas mixtures to optimize their dive. Visibility in Lake Huron is generally excellent, enhancing the appeal for underwater photography.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”emma-nielson-1883″ title=”References & Links”]
The Emma Nielsen wreck offers a vivid glimpse into the dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes. Its preserved artifacts and the dramatic evidence of its collision provide a tangible connection to its tragic story, making it one of Lake Huron’s most fascinating wrecks.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →