Shotline Diving

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Nellie Torrent US 130206

Explore the wreck of the Nellie Torrent, a wooden bulk freight vessel lost to fire in 1899, located in Lake Huron near Detour, Michigan.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Nellie Torrent
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freight
  • Year Built: 1881
  • Builder: Detroit Dry Dock, Wyandotte, MI
  • Dimensions: 141 ft (43.0 m); Beam: 29 ft (8.8 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 303 tons (274.6 metric tonnes)
  • Location: Abreast of Pointe Au Frame, near Detour, Michigan
  • Official Number: 130206
  • Original Owners: G. W. Jackson, Bay City, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The NELLIE TORRENT was a wooden propeller bulk freight vessel designed for the transportation of bulk materials, primarily lumber.

Description

The NELLIE TORRENT was constructed in 1881 at the Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan. Initially used as a barge, she was fitted with an engine in September 1882 at Milwaukee, becoming a self-propelled vessel. With a length of 141 feet and a gross tonnage of 303 tons, she was well-suited for bulk freight operations on Lake Huron.

History

The NELLIE TORRENT primarily carried lumber during her operational years. Her modest specifications made her a typical vessel of her time, focusing on bulk transportation.

Significant Incidents

  • June 22, 1899: Caught fire while downbound from Lake Superior, leading to total destruction.
  • Fire started in the hold, rapidly consuming the vessel due to her wooden structure and lumber cargo.
  • Beached near Lime Island in an attempt to save her, but ultimately abandoned.

Final Disposition

The NELLIE TORRENT was completely destroyed by fire on June 22, 1899. Despite efforts to beach her, the vessel was rendered unseaworthy and abandoned. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the NELLIE TORRENT remains a significant site for divers interested in maritime history, though specific dive conditions and accessibility details are not provided.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”nellie-torrent-us-130206″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The loss of the NELLIE TORRENT serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by wooden vessels in the late 19th century, particularly when carrying combustible cargo. Her case highlights the rapid devastation that fire can cause, especially in confined spaces.

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.

Nellie Torrent – Identification & Site Information

  • Other Names: None
  • Official No.: 130206
  • Type at Loss: Propeller, Wood, Bulk Freight
  • Build Info: 1881, Detroit Dry Dock, Wyandotte, MI (Hull #52)
  • Specs:
    • Length: 141 feet (43.0 meters)
    • Beam: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
    • Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 303 tons (274.6 metric tonnes)
  • Net Tonnage: 277 tons (251.5 metric tonnes)
  • Date of Loss: June 22, 1899
  • Place of Loss: Abreast of Pointe Au Frame, near Detour, Michigan
  • Lake: Huron
  • Type of Loss: Fire
  • Loss of Life: None
  • Carrying: Lumber

History and Description

The NELLIE TORRENT was a wooden propeller built in 1881 at the Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan. The vessel was constructed with a focus on bulk freight transportation, primarily carrying lumber during her operational years. Initially, she was used as a barge during her first season, before being fitted with an engine in September 1882 at Milwaukee, transforming her into a self-propelled vessel. The ship’s specifications were relatively modest for its era, with a length of 141 feet and a gross tonnage of 303 tons. Her design and size made her well-suited for the transportation of bulk materials, and she operated primarily on Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The NELLIE TORRENT met her end on June 22, 1899, when she caught fire while downbound from Lake Superior. The fire started in her hold and rapidly consumed the vessel. Despite efforts to save her, the fire led to the total destruction of the vessel.

In a desperate attempt to save her, the NELLIE TORRENT was beached near Lime Island. The fire rendered her unseaworthy, and she was abandoned. The fire likely spread quickly due to the lumber cargo she was carrying, as well as the fact that much of the ship’s structure was made of wood. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.

The vessel was owned by G. W. Jackson, based in Bay City, Michigan, at the time of the incident.

Sources & References

  • Great Lakes Maritime Database (MV)
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes (Atl)
  • Polk, Shipping and Local History Records
  • Shipwreck Data Resources (NSP, SLH, PHR)

Conclusion

The NELLIE TORRENT‘s destruction highlights the significant dangers faced by wooden vessels in the late 19th century, particularly when carrying combustible cargo like lumber. While her loss did not result in fatalities, it underscored the vulnerability of ships operating on the Great Lakes during this time period. Despite being beached and abandoned, the fire ultimately led to the total loss of the vessel. Her case is another reminder of how quickly a fire can devastate a ship, especially in the confined spaces of a bulk freighter.

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