Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Nellie Mason
- Type: Wooden three-mast schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: Crosthwaite at East Saginaw, Michigan
- Dimensions: Approximately 181 ft (55.2 m) long; 33 ft beam; 12 ft draft
- Registered Tonnage: 554 gross tons, 527 net
- Location: At the entrance to Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 130221
- Original Owners: F. W. Gilchrist of Alpena, Michigan
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Nellie Mason was a wooden three-mast schooner-barge, designed for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes. Built in 1882, she was a typical vessel of her time, featuring a robust wooden hull and multiple masts for sail power.
Description
At the time of her loss, the Nellie Mason was approximately 181 feet long, with a beam of 33 feet and a draft of 12 feet. She had a registered tonnage of 554 gross tons and 527 net tons. The vessel was primarily used for transporting coal.
History
The Nellie Mason was built in 1882 by Crosthwaite in East Saginaw, Michigan. She was owned by F. W. Gilchrist of Alpena, Michigan, and was typically towed by larger steamers for her voyages. On the day of her loss, she was under tow by the steamer Lansing and accompanied by the barge B.W. Palmer, heading for Alpena.
Significant Incidents
- On November 13, 1905, during a severe gale, the tow line failed, and the Nellie Mason was driven onto the west breakwall of Cleveland Harbor.
- Despite initially remaining intact, the vessel was subjected to repeated storms that caused her to break apart, leading to her being declared a total loss.
- No fatalities were reported among the crew, who were likely rescued or evacuated safely.
Final Disposition
The Nellie Mason was stranded on the breakwall and initially showed no damage. However, subsequent storms led to structural failure and breakup. The vessel was ultimately abandoned and destroyed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, there is no modern identification or dive survey documented for the Nellie Mason. The wreck is believed to lie in shallow, dynamic waters near the Cleveland breakwall, but precise site information is lacking.
Resources & Links
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Given the historical significance of the Nellie Mason and the circumstances surrounding her loss, further research and potential underwater surveys could provide valuable insights into her final resting place and condition.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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