Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Nashua
- Type: Propeller lumber hooker
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Lafrinier
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 298 gross tons, 246 net tons
- Location: Lake Huron; later found near Bayfield, ON
- Official Number: 18537
- Original Owners: Sturdevant Lumber Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Propeller Lumber Hooker, built in 1868.
Description
The Nashua was a wooden propeller lumber hooker, constructed in 1868 at Cleveland, Ohio, by Lafrinier. It was registered in Cleveland and owned by the Sturdevant Lumber Company. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 298 tons and a net tonnage of 246 tons.
History
The Nashua was captained by Richard Millen and primarily operated in the lumber trade. On its final voyage, it departed Byng Inlet, Ontario, towing the barge C. C. Ryan and headed for Toledo.
Significant Incidents
- October 4, 1892: The Nashua encountered a huge gale on Lake Huron at night, leading to engine failure and a rapid capsizing that entrained all hands onboard.
- Casualties: Reports indicate that 14 or 15 crew members perished, with no survivors from the main crew.
- Aftermath: The barge Ryan remained nearby but was unable to assist. The wreck of the Nashua was discovered four days later, capsized with its stern and machinery missing.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the Nashua was found days later, upside-down, near Bayfield, Ontario. The vessel was laden with lumber at the time of its sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is believed that the muddy shore near Bayfield may still hold remains of the vessel.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”nashua-us-18537″ title=”References & Links”]
The Nashua serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Further research opportunities exist to uncover more about the crew and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(Wooden Propeller Lumber Hooker, built 1868; lost October 4, 1892)
Vessel Identity & Specifications
- Official Number: 18537
- Built: 1868 at Cleveland, OH, by Lafrinier
- Type: Propeller lumber hooker
- Tonnage: 298 gross tons, 246 net tons
- Registered Home Port: Cleveland, owned by Sturdevant Lumber Co.
- Master: Capt. Richard Millen(d)
Final Voyage & Capsizing (October 4, 1892)
- Route: Departing Byng Inlet, Ontario headed for Toledo
- Tow: Towed the barge C. C. Ryan
- Incident: Encountered a huge gale on Lake Huron at night—engine failure reported; Nashua capsized quickly, entraining all hands onboard
- Casualties: 14 or 15 crew perished (discrepancies exist); no survivors from the main crew
- Aftermath: The Ryan remained nearby but was unable to assist. The steam barge Wm. H. Gratwick later discovered no trace of Nashua until 4 days later when the vessel washed ashore near Bayfield, Ontario—capsized with stern and machinery missing “The propeller Nashua, laden with lumber … foundered on Lake Huron, October 4, with all hands, 14 souls in all.” (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Links to the Past)
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Loss Date | October 4, 1892 |
| Location | Lake Huron; later found near Bayfield, ON |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Cause | Capsizing during gale—likely following engine failure |
| Casualties | 14–15 lives lost |
| Tow Barge | C. C. Ryan—survived |
| Discovery | Wreckage found days later, upside-down, stern & machinery gone |
Historical & Meteorological Context
- Nashua capsized during an extremely violent gale—a “Witch of October”—during the same storm systems that caused multiple Great Lakes disasters that day. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- The incident exemplifies the peril of towing under duress, especially following engine failure, during sudden storms.
Next Steps – Research Opportunities
- Detailed Crew Manifest & Rescue Reports
- Seek barge Ryan or Wm. H. Gratwick logs and coast guard files to clarify casualty numbers and events.
- Newspaper Coverage (Oct 1892)
- Toronto Globe, Bayfield Courier, Milwaukee Journal, and Cleveland Plain Dealer likely contain casualty lists and storm analysis.
- Weather and Gale Intensity Data
- NOAA archives may explain the storm’s sudden escalation and timing.
- Maritime Archaeology & Wreck Mapping
- Muddy Bayfield shore might still hold remains; any modern sonar or dive expeditions—especially around Bayfield—should be checked.
- Pull October 1892 newspaper records for casualty reports and eyewitness testimony?
- Retrieve engine/tow logs from the C. C. Ryan or Wm. H. Gratwick for insights into breakdown and capsizing?
- Access NOAA historical weather data to evaluate conditions during the gale?
- Investigate archaeological surveys and wreckage data near Bayfield?