Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Little Nell
- Type: Sidewheel steamer (passenger and freight)
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: Detroit
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not recorded
- Location: Saginaw River or near Saginaw
- Coordinates: Not available
- Official Number: Not recorded in primary sources
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Small sidewheel passenger-freight steamer on Lake Huron
Description
The Little Nell was a sidewheel steamer built in 1857 in Detroit, primarily serving passenger and freight routes on Lake Huron, particularly to Saginaw and Port Huron.
History
The Little Nell was part of the growing steamer travel on Lake Huron during the 1860s, a period marked by increased fire hazards on vessels, especially during nighttime operations or while docked.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: August 29, 1863
- Location: Saginaw River or near Saginaw (Lake Huron)
- Incident: A fire broke out onboard at night, quickly consuming the vessel and resulting in a total loss.
- Fatalities: 4 lives lost (all aboard).
- Engine Recovery: The steampump engine was salvaged from the wreck site.
Final Disposition
The Little Nell was destroyed by fire, with her hull lost and four lives perished. The engine was salvaged shortly after the incident, indicating prompt recovery efforts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Little Nell remains submerged in the Saginaw River area, with no current accessibility details available.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”little-nell-1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Little Nell on August 29, 1863, highlights the risks faced by early steamboats on Lake Huron. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of maritime travel during this era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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