Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Nellie Sherwood
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: Robertson, Algonac, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 78 ft (23.8 m); Beam 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 95 tons
- Location: Bear's Rump Island, Georgian Bay
- Official Number: C61170
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Nellie Sherwood was a two-masted wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, primarily used for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber, stone, and grain.
Description
Constructed in 1863 by Robertson in Algonac, Michigan, the Nellie Sherwood measured 23.8 metres (78 feet) in length with a beam of 6.7 metres (22 feet) and a depth of 2.4 metres (8 feet), registering a gross tonnage of 95 tons. Originally named Market Drayton (U.S. Official Number 17747), she was later renamed Nellie Sherwood upon her registration in Canada (Official Number C61170). The schooner was a familiar sight in ports such as Kingston, Ontario, reflecting her active role in regional commerce.
History
The Nellie Sherwood had a notable service history on the Great Lakes, frequently transporting goods between various ports. On September 12, 1882, she departed Owen Sound, Ontario, laden with flat cars and stone intended for the Canadian Pacific Railway at Algoma Mills. Two days into her voyage, on September 14, she encountered a severe gale near Cabot Head in Georgian Bay. Captain Griffin of the schooner A.G. Morey reported witnessing a vessel, believed to be the Nellie Sherwood, founder during the storm. Tragically, all five crew members aboard were lost. The incident occurred in close proximity to the site where the propeller Asia had previously sunk, underscoring the perilous nature of navigation in that area during adverse weather conditions.
Significant Incidents
- September 14, 1882: The Nellie Sherwood sank during a severe gale in Georgian Bay, resulting in the loss of all five crew members.
Final Disposition
Following the sinking, reports indicated that the Nellie Sherwood was found ashore on Bear’s Rump Island, approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Cove Island in Georgian Bay. The tug Prince Alfred was tasked with efforts to release and salvage her.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details regarding the exact location and date of the Nellie Sherwood‘s discovery remain limited. While reports from the time indicate she was found ashore on Bear’s Rump Island, comprehensive surveys or modern discoveries have not been well-documented in accessible sources.
Resources & Links
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The Nellie Sherwood‘s tragic loss in 1882 serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her service history reflects the vital role schooners played in the development and operation of regional trade and infrastructure projects, such as the Canadian Pacific Railway. While specific details about her final resting place remain scarce, the legacy of the Nellie Sherwood endures in maritime history as emblematic of the era’s nautical endeavors and perils.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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