Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Nancy Dell
• Type: Wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1878
• Builder: Van Putten shipyard
• Dimensions: Approx. 105 ft (32 m) length × 23 ft beam × 7 ft depth; ~107 gross tons, 101 net tons
• Registered Tonnage: 107 gross tons, 101 net tons
• Location: Near Middle Village, Door County, Wisconsin
• Official Number: 130147
• Original Owners: William Braun of Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Nancy Dell is classified as a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts and a fore-and-aft rig.

Description

The Nancy Dell was a modest 107-ton wooden schooner built in 1878. It was primarily used for transporting goods, likely lumber, across the Great Lakes.

History

Constructed in 1878 at the Van Putten shipyard in Port Sheldon, Michigan, the Nancy Dell was owned by William Braun, a captain based in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin. The vessel operated on Lake Michigan until its loss in 1902.

Significant Incidents

• June 21, 1902: The Nancy Dell was caught in a storm while laden, likely with lumber, and was driven ashore near Middle Village. The vessel broke up on the beach and was declared a total loss.
• Casualties: There were no reported casualties or loss of life during the incident.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Nancy Dell broke apart in situ after running aground. The remains were scrapped at the site, with no recovery efforts reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is confirmed that the vessel broke apart on the beach and was scrapped.

Resources & Links

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Research opportunities exist to explore the exact grounding site, storm context, cargo manifest, and newspaper coverage of the incident, which could provide valuable insights into the Nancy Dell’s history and the maritime conditions of the time.