Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John M. Nicol
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven steamer
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: F. Wheeler at West Bay City
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 2,500 tons
- Location: Big Summer Island, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: 76786
- Original Owners: N/A
- Number of Masts: N/A
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven steamer designed for carrying mixed bulk and package freight.
Description
John M. Nicol was a steel-clad or wooden-hulled cargo steamer designed for heavy freight. At loss, she carried an exceptionally high tonnage—predominantly barbed wire—reflecting her use in large-scale inland logistics or construction supply operations.
History
Built in 1889 by F. Wheeler at West Bay City, the John M. Nicol was classified as a wooden propeller-driven steamer. She was primarily used for transporting mixed bulk and package freight, with a significant focus on heavy cargo.
Significant Incidents
- Lost on December 13, 1906, during a severe snowstorm.
- Ran aground on Big Summer Island, resulting in the hull breaking in two.
- All 21 crew members aboard survived the incident.
- Near-miss accidents occurred during salvage operations, including an air-hose entanglement incident with a diver.
Final Disposition
The wreck remained in shallow waters off Big Summer Island. Machinery and much of the cargo (barbed wire) were reportedly salvaged. Over time, wreckage became accessible to scavengers and ‘land pirates,’ who pilfered fittings and structural elements, including pilot house windows. The enrollment was formally surrendered in mid-1907.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Today, no confirmed dive or archaeological survey identifies the remains of the John M. Nicol. The wreck has become notorious for hazardous salvage operations and subsequent scavenging.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-m-nicol-us-76786″ title=”References & Links”]
Let me know if you’d like assistance locating newspaper casualty reports, salvage documentation, or registry archives for further detail.
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